We know you’re here for the wine, but we find that sometimes, just sometimes, it’s important to take a step back and put our mental health first. We are still here to help you stock up on all the best luxury English and Welsh wines. But we’ve also been thinking hard about how to make the most of our time over Christmas and the New Year, and we would like to share our thoughts with you. Whether you’re working, taking a break, or a bit of both, here are our top tips…
DEALING WITH WORK
Create separation. Now that we are working so much at home, it’s important to create a sense of the difference between ‘work time’ and ‘home time’. If possible, make your work area separate from the rest of your home and try to stick to regular office hours.
Get outside. Try to get outside for some fresh air in the daylight every single day. One of the most powerful ways to de-stress and switch off is to spend time outdoors. Simply taking a deep breath of fresh air, noticing the crisp smell of the winter landscape, and listening to the birds in the distance can have immense benefits to your mindset. Even if it’s cold, throw on some layers and go for a walk in somewhere where there is plenty of natural beauty and notice how a little time in nature makes you feel.
Talk it out. Make time to see your friends and family and spend some quality time talking about everything we’ve all been through these past couple of years. We spent so many months in isolation, let’s celebrate being together again.
Switch off from technology. This helps reduce stress and gives your mind and your body a break. When we disconnect, we give ourselves a chance to notice our own thoughts, to check in with ourselves. But it is hard to do. Be strict with yourself. Leave your phone at home when you go for a walk. Or use the technology to create a mental break, for example by practising meditation with the Calm or Samsara app.
TAKING TIME OFF
Make the most of time off. Think about things you have been meaning to do and put steps into place to actually do them. You can put ‘Netflix on the sofa’ on your list – just make sure you are spending your time intentionally. You don’t want to regret not using precious time off to your advantage.
Make home a retreat. Make home feel like a retreat with small but meaningful additions: favourite candles, woolly socks, hot water bottles, specialty teas, soulful music, cosy blankets, Epsom salts for the bath… anything that adds warmth and comfort and signals time for a much-needed break. Travelling to see family at Christmas? Take these luxury items with you, you’ll appreciate them just as much, if not more.
Be present. Don’t have your phone out at the dinner table. Don’t post about every single minor detail of your day on social media. Try to be present with your friends and family and focus entirely on the time you are spending with them. Because that’s what you’ll miss when you are back at work.
Sleep. The time we spend awake is precious, but so is the time we spend asleep. In addition to the relaxation benefits, our bodies and brains have the opportunity to repair and recover while we sleep. So get a few early nights, and allow yourself some lay-ins.