You Do You During This Winter Break

Winter Break started for me on Monday and, hopefully, if yours hasn’t started you’re hanging in there until it does! When I got to thinking about what to write this week, I wanted to focus on reducing stress over the holidays to really get a much-deserved break. And a good way to do that is with a You Do You attitude.

And that doesn’t mean to not care about others, it just means to not worry about others opinions about the choices you make. Worry adds to stress and I’m working towards a less-stress holiday break.

When you have a You Do You attitude, you’re not worrying about leaving early from a Christmas party or saying no to attending a Christmas party that you just don’t have the energy to go to. You’re staying home or making plans to travel based on how you (take your spouse into account, too) feel about it. You make how many types of holiday cookies you want to make, not what you think everyone else wants. Sure it’s ok to still make your husband’s favorite, or your kids, because you love them and want them to be happy, too! You, also, don’t worry about getting the Christmas cards out in time and if you should’ve sent one to so-and-so. Ok, wait, I did do that one. Sometimes a little worry still creeps in and that’s ok.

Furthermore, make sure you have some time to do what you enjoy! Take time to fill your cup with joy. Spend time with your loved ones, shop for that perfect gift, get a massage, read, exercise, craft, or anything else that brings a smile to your face.

It’s, also, a good idea to disconnect from work during this time. Don’t check your e-mail, grade papers, or think about anything work-related. Unplugging from work mode will give you time to relax. Work mode is usually go, go, go making multiple decisions per minute. Give your brain the break it deserves, too. Angela Watson from Truth for Teachers has a great post about this called “How to take a sabbatical with me over your winter holiday break.”

You Do You does not mean ignore your family and only focus on yourself during this time. That will undoubtedly cause more stress. It’s more about creating a balance between doing what you want and giving your family what they need/want without running yourself ragged. It is meant to free you from some of the stress you may feel about holiday expectations and obligations.

For instance, I spent some time the other day playing a game that my children had been wanting to play. In fact, we played it twice. There was nothing I had to do at the time and giving my children my undivided attention was something they needed after the busyness of school and after school activities. It was something they wanted to do and spending that time with them brought me much joy! I hope to do much more of that over the holiday break.

If you’re still in school this week and need something to fill the time, check out 10 Christmas Brain Breaks to Get You and Your Class to the Holiday Break. Also, if you want to read more about disconnecting from work, check out How to Leave Your Work at Work.

I’m getting this post out a little late this week due to our internet being out for a few days. We survived, barely. Lol! However, after this, I am taking my own advice and taking a break from work. In the meantime, I wish you a happy and healthy holiday! See you in 2024!