As South African workers, students and pupils are feeling the happy vibes of the holidays, many will try to just muddle through the next few days or weeks, forgetting that holidays can actually be a very stressful time.<\/p>\n
To make the most of this festive season, and relax and unwind sufficiently to get back in the saddle with renewed energy in January 2016, there are a few small things that can be done so as not to let anxieties about returning to work or school spoil a chunk of the holiday, an expert said.<\/p>
\u201cWhile thoughts of returning to duty are effectively banished from one\u2019s mind during the initial stages of leave or recess, as the new year comes closer many people\u2019s minds will be jolted back to the looming reality which can detract from what should be a happy, carefree time,\u201d said Dr Felicity Coughlan, director of the Independent Institute of Education.<\/p>\n
\u201cThoughts of returning to the office can cause feelings of anxiety, dread and even depression, but by taking a few small empowering actions now and during the holidays, going back can be considerably less stressful.<\/p>
\u201cAs the saying goes, if you haven\u2019t started planning for 2016, you are already behind.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo now is the time to tie up all the loose ends and get a plan in motion that will see you enter the new year with no remnants from 2015 sapping your energy, and with a vision for growth that will excite and inspire you throughout your break.\u201d<\/p>\n
In recent years, a UK survey among 2 500 people conducted by the Institute of Leadership and Management, showed that for many people, going on holiday actually increased their stress.<\/p>\n
Coughlan said that many South Africans would be in the same boat, but that positively making the transition between the old year and the new relied on two steps: closing the door on what belongs in 2015, and determining what sits behind the new door.<\/p>\n
She said to make the most of one\u2019s holidays, one should:<\/p>\n
Make sure that all the jobs, tasks and projects scheduled for this year are done and dusted before you leave for the holidays.<\/p>\n
Make a to-do list for the remaining work time in this year and take satisfaction in ticking off one after the next task.<\/p>\n
Clear your inbox and remember to set up an out-of-office reminder on your last day.<\/p>\n
Ensure that people know where to reach you in case of an emergency, but resolve to stay away from \u201cjust quickly checking in\u201d at work, or spending most of your days on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cGive your brain a real chance to shut off and rest,\u201d said Coughlan.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou will find that when you give your mind this kind of space, all kinds of new ideas and visions for the future will find their way into the space which used to be filled with status updates and online rage.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKnowing that once your break is over you will be returning to another year of more of the same \u2013 and even more of the same \u2013 can be a real downer,\u201d said Coughlan.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor human beings to grow and become more self-actualised, each year must allow new opportunity for growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring your time off, take stock of your direction. Are you doing what you love? Is there something else you would like to explore? Perhaps you can start exploring that by joining a short course or signing up for a programme? Taking a step in the direction you want to be going, however small, will put a new spring in your step.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whether it be starting to train for your first 5km run, starting a blog, or learning a new language, doing something fun and constructive will immediately get you energised and inspired, said Coughlan.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe trick is to not while away your precious days with eating, partying and sleeping day after day.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile there is certainly space for that, a confidence-building activity and a vision for the future will do much more to restore your mind and body, and help you start 2016 in the way you would like it to end \u2013 on a high note,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n