Plan to have the best festive break you can

Its holiday time and despite being a supposed time of ‘goodwill to all men’ and festive cheer it can also be an incredibly stressful period. Add to that all the COVID-19 rules and regulations which keep changing about how many can be in a household and who you can and can’t meet up with. That’s before your household’s adults put in their rules!

Everyone benefits from a break or holiday. This year, more than ever, we need this end of year break from routine and hard work; it’s been a tough year for lots of people (including the adults in the house, so try and help out where you can).

Make the most of the holiday period, eat lovely food, play games with friends and family (online if necessary), go outside every day, set yourself an achievable target, make time for relaxation (switch your brain off) and look after you sleep. Make it the best time you can.
Let’s plan to use this break to best effect so we can benefit in every way possible.

• COVID 19 isn't over yet - we need to recharge our batteries and build strength for the next few months
• It's winter - we are wired to slow down, sleep more, eat more, curl up in the warm
• Your body will work better if you look after it
• Your brain will work better if you look after it

Some top tips on planning to enjoy your festive break:

• Don’t let schoolwork wreck your holiday. Make a note of anything you’re meant to do and decide when to do it. It might be useful to tell your parents/carers so they also know you have a plan. Then put it out of sight till you need it.
• This might sound daft – but start the holiday with a tidy bedroom. This really helps with mental health and can lessen feelings of being overwhelmed! Set day one as clean-up day. Search for Marie Kondo on YouTube – she has some great ideas on getting started – and keeping going!
• Keep in touch with friends however you are allowed to do so (COVID 19 rules and household rules). If you can meet outside, following whatever social distancing rules apply, do so. Fresh air is so good for us! If meeting outside is a no-no - organise a get-together online; maybe try a quiz or escape room activity. Try to make sure everyone is included who wants to be. Keep those lines of communication open between yourself and the people you care about. .
• Try hard to limit your time on screens. "Too much" is when your eyes start to feel tired, you haven't had enough physical activity, you're just mindlessly scrolling, your family are missing you (or nagging you about being online too much) and you lose track of time. See if you can discuss as a whole household times when you can all do something else together.
• Do some physical activity each day and try to get outside, whatever the weather.
• Treat yourself and read! It’s great for resting the body, for just before bed to quieten your mind, or even when it’s raining!
• Make sure you keep to, or adopt healthy sleep habits; otherwise, it will be hard to adjust at the end of the holiday. Sleep is so important for our mental health. (see sleep bog)
• If you like your own space and need time alone, talk to your parent/carers how this can be achieved - it's important to your health.
• If you are someone who likes the noise and people around you and your household is small and quiet, talk to your parents/carers how you can build this into your festivities. Either having fun online with friends or meeting up upside if its permitted.
• Focus on having fun, whether that means a peaceful or social time. 2020 has been a tough year and you deserve your holiday!