A guide to self-care and rest during the holidays.

You've worked incredibly hard to get to where you are; All that energy and enthusiasm for studying, working, sharing, and generally doing your best to make your life as fruitful as possible for yourself and those around you. Hopefully, you can now reap the rewards with a fulfilling career, interests you enjoy, and a myriad of social opportunities opening up to you as a result. However, even if you enjoy them, it takes time and energy, which often means that taking care of the number one person—yourself—is low on the list

When vacation time finally arrives, you may feel like you're really trying to keep up the same pace, albeit differently, to "get the most" out of your time off. There are so many opportunities to tap into your inner explorer that you might sometimes feel overwhelmed by the abundance. You might even experience a slight pressure that you “should” do these things simply because you have the ability! This sense of obligation to fill your upcoming free time means you apply the same level of attention and meticulous planning you do to other daily activities, as if you're trying to squeeze every second out of that precious chunk of time. This can feel fantastic, of course, but you might be too exhausted to truly enjoy it and feel even more depleted when it's time to return to work; Neither of these situations bodes well for being at your best. However, it is possible to achieve a healthy balance between rest and fun while on vacation. 

.

By establishing and incorporating a simple self-care routine into your vacation, you can enjoy the best of both worlds while building healthy habits that will continue when everyday life returns to normal. Taking a quiet moment to simply be, instead of constantly doing, can have a significant impact on the rest of your life, giving you the mental space you need to embrace life to the fullest. The good news is that it doesn't have to be a huge investment; Even five minutes a day can bring you a moment of serenity and clarity. Here are some mindful moments to help you get through those long-awaited vacations with enjoyment, ease, and kindness to yourself:

.

#1: Relax with music

Make a playlist with songs you love; Familiar tracks you've listened to hundreds of times. Take some time to sit quietly, press play, and listen. Really listen. Don't multitask, don't check for messages. Nothing. Just listen to the music and absorb it all. Become aware of the rhythm—is it fast or slow? Did it change? Listen to the pitch and tone of the singer's voice. Listen to the words—what are they saying? What stories are being told? Feel the bass as it thumps. You'll likely discover aspects you never noticed about songs you thought you knew by heart. A chance to truly connect with your senses.

.

#2: Taste its flavor

Make yourself a drink you enjoy, whether it's a delicious herbal tea or something more adventurous. How does it look in your cup or glass? Pay attention to its light as it shimmers on the surface. Smell it, what's its aroma? Notice how your taste buds react to the aromas. Finally, take a sip and savor it… truly savor it. Experience the sensations as the aromas travel across your tongue. A true feast for the senses.

.

#3: Your personal massager/massage

A simple self-massage can do wonders to bring you back to the here and now. Spend a few moments looking at the palms of your hands. Observe their lifelines, their color, their length, and the strange way they cross over each other. Gently press your thumb into the opposite palm, drawing small circles in the center before gently moving around your hand in a circular motion. Massage through the heel of your hand, over the soft, fleshy base of your other thumb, and along the bases of your fingers. Move each finger in turn upwards until you reach the tips, pressing lightly on each one before moving on to the next. Become aware of the sensations you perceive and take the time to discover the texture of the skin. Switch hands and do the same, finishing by gently rubbing your palms together and pausing for a few deep breaths before returning to your normal routine. 

.

These are simple techniques you can practice almost anywhere. Have fun trying them out and discover what works for you. You owe it to yourself, so give yourself the break you so richly deserve and discover the difference it can make. Relax and enjoy.