Switching off from work this Christmas

The Christmas holidays are upon us and countdown to the end of term has well and truly begun.

Although you may be looking forward to the Christmas break, some may find it hard to shut off from their everyday routine and take work home with them, so they can prepare for the new term.

Some find it can be a stressful time – the expectation of spending more money on gifts, the pressure of having the ‘perfect Christmas’, or having additional jobs to do on top of your busy lives.

It is so important that you maintain a healthy work-life balance and take the time to rest, recuperate and enjoy the festivities… after all Christmas is a time for celebration!

We’ve put together a few tips on how to make the most of your Christmas break whilst feeling prepared for the new year.

Reflect

Take time to reflect on the past term. What have you achieved? What challenged you and how did you overcome these? What are your targets for the term? Write down your ideas, plans and goals to give you focus during the next academic term.

Set boundaries

Once you have started your holidays, switch off any work phones or laptops that may distract you. If you need to catch up with work over the festive period, write a list of all the things you would like to achieve before the start of the new year. Once you have made your list, set a suitable date and time when you can really concentrate and spend a day preparing for the new term.

Stop people – pleasing

Many people find it hard trying to fit everything in at Christmas. Stop people-pleasing – it is OK if you don’t try to be everywhere or do everything. Prepare and plan in advance how your time is going to be shared and remember to spend quality time with those that matter the most to you.

In a world where social media has a massive impact on our lives, it can be easy to compare yourself to those you see on social media. Remind yourself that what you see online is a version of what people want you to see, not reality.

Don’t compare yourself to others – no one is perfect. Have a break from social media and take the time to focus on what really matters to you.

Focus on the positives

You may feel pressurised to buying the ‘perfect’ gift or overwhelmed with additional jobs Christmas bring. If you are feeling overwhelmed during the festive period, focusing on the positives can impact on your physical and mental wellbeing. Try and focus on what you have achieved and accomplished and look at the positives of a situation, this will help you feel a sense of reward and achievement.

Surround yourself with family

Some may find it hard to connect with their family as much as they would like, due to busy work schedules and demanding work hours. If you have children, plan some festive days out or get creative with some arts and crafts.

New opportunities

If you are looking for a new challenge in 2022, why not consider working as a supply teacher. There are many benefits to registering with Sugarman Education.

Our job is about finding the best people to work in our schools. Whether you’re looking for a supply cover role or a long-term position, we’re confident we can match you with the perfect school. Find out more here.

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