How To Recharge Over the Holidays? Follow These Four Tips

As the holiday season gets into full swing, many will be finding that they are busier than ever. From social engagements to parties and festive catch ups, Christmas can quickly become stressful. But all is not lost—Newsweek has asked experts for their top tips on making the most of the downtime that the holidays offers, from getting enough sleep to choosing nourishing food and drink.

Serena Poon is a Reiki master and longevity wellness expert. She told Newsweek: "Down time is when our bodies and minds heal. Taking time to relax at the end of the year, when many people are off from work or school, is an optimal time to allow your body, mind and soul space and grace to recharge for the year ahead. That being said, a lot of people experience stress over the holidays trying to plan the perfect gifts or celebrations or because of loss or family strife.

"Instead of giving in to what you feel like you 'should' do, it might be worth reflecting on what you truly need to feel revitalized at the end of the year—maybe you can find a way to do less and still enjoy the season," she suggested.

If you're looking to carve out some time to really switch off, our experts have offered their thoughts on how to make the most of the break.

Get enough sleep

It's natural to be busy around the holidays and it is more than likely that social engagements will eat into all-important sleep time. Leading expert and speaker in the field of sleep science, Sophie Bostock, told Newsweek that it is a good idea to bank sleep in advance during the holidays.

"If you know you've got a big night coming up, plan ahead by going to bed a little earlier for up to a week before the event. Researchers have found that sleep 'banking' by extending time in bed in advance can help you recover faster from sleep deprivation," explained Bostock.

Add a little mindfulness

Rushing around to wrap final gifts and planning the timings for the all-important Christmas meal can leave even the most zen of people feeling a little frazzled. Poon suggests introducing mindfulness and meditation into your routine to stay grounded.

"Recent research shows that mindfulness meditation practice can decrease stress and burnout and increase resiliency, compassion and emotional regulation," she explained.

Stick to your normal routine

It may sound impossible but staying as close to a normal day as possible is a great way to practice self-care.

"Try to avoid sleeping in all day the night after a party," said Bostock. "By all means have a bit of a lie-in to catch up if it's the weekend, but just be aware that the later you sleep in, the more difficult it will be to get out of bed the next day."

"Maintaining similar wake-up times can help your body clocks to stay in sync. Aim to keep day-to-day changes to within an hour as often as you can, and consider a short nap after lunch if you're sleepy during the day."

Skip the drinks

Christmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry, but the best way to ensure you come out of the holidays feeling better rather than worse is to regulate your intake of alcohol and unhealthy foods.

"Occasional small doses of alcohol can make you sleepy, and make you fall asleep faster, especially when you're sleep deprived," said Bostock. "Alcohol disturbs your natural sleep cycles and people who use alcohol to help them fall asleep are more tired and less alert during the day than non-drinkers."

It isn't just drink that can impact wellness. Food also plays an important role in our physical and mental health.

Poon explained: "Though the season often guides us in the other direction, try to focus on eating wholesome, nourishing, grounding foods that will support your body in its efforts to heal and recharge after a busy year and avoid eating foods that exacerbate stress, such as sugar, alcohol and caffeine."

With a new year fast approaching, Poon also suggests that now is the perfect time to set positive intentions for 2023.

"Consider how you will move your body to ensure that you feel your best. Will you take daily walks or practice yoga with your friends from the neighborhood? Make a plan for getting ample sleep, proper hydration, meditation and balancing your hormones," she said.

"Practices that support your health will be unique to you, but no matter what your regimen includes, taking time to define them now will set you up for success in the new year."