Give the Gift of a Festive Pause

The festive season is a whirlwind, a time of shimmering lights, hearty laughter, and cherished connections. Yet, amid the sparkle and sentiment, it often becomes a marathon of to-do lists, overflowing calendars, and constant demands. As we prepare for the celebrations, it’s easy to overlook the one thing that truly fuels the magic: you.

In this issue, Nicola Noél, an award-winning Specialist Psychiatric Nurse, Psychotherapist, Mindset Coach, and resident YOMU contributor, shares insights into why pausing over the holidays isn’t just an act of indulgence, it’s essential. From understanding how your brain responds to relentless busyness to embracing simple ways to recharge, we’ll explore why prioritising downtime might just be the best gift you can give yourself this season.

When you’re rested, grounded, and present, the holidays transform from a race to a moment – one filled with warmth, wonder, and memories that last far longer than the crackers or the Christmas pudding.

Let’s dive in and let Nicola make space for the magic.

The festive season, a time of joy, connection, and… let’s be honest, relentless busyness. Between juggling gift shopping, hosting duties, family gatherings, and work deadlines that all seem to magically pile up in December, it’s easy to find yourself running on empty. But here’s the thing: pushing through without taking a moment to pause isn’t going to win you any medals. In fact, it might leave you frazzled and feeling less like Elf and more like Scrooge.

Let’s talk science for a moment. Your brain, the command centre of all that festive magic, is not designed to function under constant pressure. When you’re dashing around with no break in sight, your stress hormones, particularly cortisol, go through the roof. While cortisol is handy in emergencies (say, when you’re dodging Aunt Carol’s probing questions about your life choices), too much of it for too long can lead to cognitive burnout. Research shows that high cortisol levels over time shrink your hippocampus, the bit of your brain responsible for memory and learning. Forgetting where you put the Christmas crackers? Blame cortisol.

Then there’s your prefrontal cortex, the logical, problem-solving part of your brain. It’s your inner Christmas planner, managing tasks and ensuring you don’t leave the turkey in the oven too long. But when you’re overworked and overstimulated, it can’t keep up. This leaves you feeling scattered, short-tempered, and overwhelmed, not exactly the vibe for a holly-jolly holiday. Taking regular breaks, even just a short walk or a few mindful minutes with a cuppa, gives this part of your brain the breathing room it needs to reboot and work more effectively.

Here’s the kicker: downtime isn’t just about avoiding burnout; it’s where the festive magic happens. When you pause and let your mind wander, whether you’re wrapping presents, enjoying a stroll, or just staring out the window, your brain’s default mode network (DMN) kicks in. This is the part of your brain responsible for creativity and problem-solving. That’s right, stepping back from the chaos might just help you figure out the perfect gift for your impossible-to-buy-for cousin or the seating plan that avoids a family meltdown.

5 Quick Ways to Make Break-Taking a Non-Negotiable

Delegate Like a Boss

You don’t have to do it all, instead, delegate tasks. Whether it’s asking someone else to wrap presents or letting the kids help with decorations, the world won’t fall apart if you share the load and if you do ask, the world might be a better, happier place.

Set Alarms for Micro-Pauses

Use the power of tech for good!

Set a timer to go off every hour as a reminder to step away, stretch, or simply close your eyes for 60 seconds.

A micro-pause can work wonders for your focus and mood.

Time-Block Your Downtime

Treat your breaks like the VIPs they are. Block out specific times in your day for rest, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Put it in your calendar, and don’t let anything – not even a “quick favour” – cut into it.

Pair a Break with Something You Love

Combine your downtime with a treat to make it even more irresistible. A festive playlist and a walk, a hot chocolate by the fire, or a cheeky mince pie while you sit down for five. Make it something you look forward to.

Create a “No Interruptions Zone”

Designate a time and space where you’re unavailable. Turn off notifications, shut the door, and make it clear to the family that this is your moment. Protect it fiercely, even Santa can wait.

This festive season, let’s make taking breaks a non-negotiable part of the plan. Not just because it’s good for your brain – though it absolutely is – but because you deserve to feel present, joyful, and genuinely rested. Remember, the best gift you can give to yourself (and those around you) is a version of you that isn’t running on fumes.

So, step away, recharge, and let your festive sparkle shine a little brighter.

Nicola Noél
Brainworks Therapy
Award Winning Specialist Psychiatric Nurse Psychotherapist and Mindset Coach