- Sleep. Something tells me this won’t be a problem. If anything, your parents will still be trying to rouse you from your bed around midday. Don’t go overboard, but when you find the time and inclination for a cat nap, go ahead and sneak one in! Make it even better with cozy flannel sheets and those PJs you likely received as a Christmas gift
- Read. In my house, reading and sleeping go together like peanut butter and jelly. Find a comfy corner of the couch, grab that fuzzy blanket and snuggle up with a great book.?
- Soak. Soaking and reading is another nice combination, though you risk a water-logged book if you get too comfortable. This break, make time for a nice long soak in the tub, ideally with a bath bomb! There’s something incredibly relaxing about all that fizzing. Just be sure to finish off with a good moisturizer.
- Journal. Love to write? Start drafting the next great American novel! Hate to write? Start small by jotting down three things you’re grateful for. If you can get in the habit of doing that everyday, you’ll find it pays dividends for your mental health!
- Say thanks. Speaking of gratitude, take time this holiday season to say thank you, ideally in writing. Letter writing is a lost art, but trust me when I say a handwritten note is one of life’s greatest treasures. Ask your parents if they’ve held on to special emails or text messages Probably not. But ask them if they’ve tucked away a special letter they received from a loved one and I can almost guarantee they have. Make someone’s day by putting pen to paper and saying thank you for that special Christmas gift, or just acknowledging someone’s constant love and friendship. It’s huge!
- Walk a dog. Get some fresh air in those lungs and take a brisk walk over this break. Better yet, bring a furry friend with you. Don’t have your own? Borrow one from me (!) or the local animal shelter. It will make your day and theirs.?
- Try a new workout. Covid forced me to find some online fitness instructors and I’ve loved it! I actually exercise more now than I did when I was going to the gym. I’m a big fan of Sydney Cummings who does a lot with weight training and really simple routines, and Yoga with Adriene is great too. Check them out!
- Watch a movie with mom, dad, a grandparent or caregiver. I guarantee there’s a movie they love from their childhood that you’ve never seen. They probably mention it occasionally, telling you how funny, sweet, charming, goofy, etc. it is. Make the popcorn and snuggle next to them on the couch so they can share the memory with you. (Really, just the snuggling is precious for us. We’ll watch anything at all if you’re next to us.)
- Color! A few years ago, coloring for adults was all the rage. If you haven’t picked up crayons since elementary school, do yourself a favor and find a well-sharpened set. Colored pencils and markers will do the trick too. And you can find a coloring book in any Five Below or dollar store. It’s pure, relaxing fun!
- Dance in the kitchen. Surprise family members with a kitchen dance party. Crank up some tunes and pull out all your best moves. It’s even more fun if you’re still in pajamas and if the dog gets in on it.?
