Month twelve of the year is here, which means one thing, it’s finally time to unwind. After a whole year of busy schedules, commitments and trying to squeeze too much into every day, the holidays give us all a chance to reset, recharge and remember what it feels like to slow down. Whether you’re spending your break in a sunny state by the beach, at home with family or somewhere quiet with a good book, here are five simple ways to help your body and brain truly wind down this holiday season. Actually Switch Those Screens Off We know it’s easier said than done. But your brain can’t relax if your inbox keeps dinging. Set your out-of-office message, mute the notifications and let yourself disconnect properly. It’s not just about taking time off work, it’s about mentally stepping away from it to let your brain have a break too. Think of it like rebooting a computer that’s been running too many tabs all year. You’ll start the new year refreshed, focused and far less likely to slow down or make you want to throw your laptop out the window when something crashes. Prioritise Quality Sleep The holidays are the perfect time to catch up on rest and reset your body clock. Try to go to bed at a decent hour (even if the next episode of that series is right there) and aim for a consistent sleep schedule that’s not interrupted. Good quality sleep will also help you feel more awake and alert, energised, improves overall mood, sharpens focus and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. When you start your morning feeling rested, the whole day feels easier, lighter and more enjoyable. Move Your Body The goal here isn’t a new personal best or a whole different look, it’s about feeling good. Take a walk on the beach, go for a swim, have a gym session or stretch it out in the backyard with your pet as your motivational coach. No matter how small or big the exercise is, this can help boost mood, relieve body tension and improve mental health overall. A great tip is to give yourself some sort of reward for your efforts, which helps the brain be more productive and work towards a goal. A small ice-cream after won’t hurt, right? Eating Quality Foods We all know the holidays are for having the sweet treats, and generally overindulging, and that’s fine. But your body still needs a bit of balance to keep you mentally and physically feeling good. Ensuring you are staying hydrated by drinking lots of water, eating greens where you can and have a balanced diet with foods that will keep you energised, not bloated and full. Good food fuels recovery, and the right balance means you can enjoy the holiday celebrations without feeling sluggish and wanting to take a nap. Reflect, Reconnect, & Recharge The end of the year is a natural pause point for most people, to take a moment to look back at the year (and realise how quick it has gone). Catch up with people who make you laugh like family or friends, spend time outdoors and get some sunlight and do the small things that make you feel grounded. Reflection isn’t just about goals, it’s about gratitude. The Wrap-Up Your body and mind need time to rest and reset after a busy year. This holiday season, give yourself permission to slow down, switch off, and do more of what makes you feel good. Because a healthy, happy you is the best way to start the new year.