Looking for ways to unplug and recharge that don’t involve binge watching TV? Here are a few activities our team will be up to over the holidays.
By Emily Gilbert
Wondering how to relax during the holidays? There are lots of ways to unwind that don’t necessarily involve screen time. And many relaxing activities have additional health benefits too. Read on for our team’s favourites, and feel free to add your own in the comments.
1. Play a board game
The holidays are a great time to bring out the board games. You may not have had time to play them during the year. This activity was one our team’s favourites for both children and adults alike. Board games can help keep your brain active as you age. One study shows a link between board games and a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Go for a winter walk
There are numerous benefits to getting outside when it comes to your mental health. Maybe it’s going for a winter hike. It could be taking a four-legged friend for a stroll. No matter what, spending time outdoors is important for staying healthy during the winter months. You could use this time to try a walking meditation. Or cue up a playlist or episode of a podcast you’ve been meaning to listen to for a while. Walks are also a great opportunity to phone a friend for a catch up too.
3. Unplug with a jigsaw puzzle
Putting together a jigsaw puzzle can be a calming activity that doesn’t involve any screen time at all. Not only that, but research has shown that puzzles can help improve motor skills. Another study shows that putting together different pieces works your visual-spatial skills. These skills come in handy in other aspects of daily life, such as packing or driving.
4. Unwind with watercolours
Painting provides a creative outlet and can also help improve memory and concentration. It’s also known as a stress reliever. Research shows that people who spent time creating visual art showed improvements in their psychological resilience. Resilience is a key component for how a person reacts to stressful situations.
5. Recharge by the fire
Curling up by the fire with a good book is a holiday pasttime for many. Studies have shown that watching a fireplace induces relaxation and can even lower blood pressure.
And you don’t necessarily have to have a real fireplace to feel the effects. One study revealed a consistent decrease in blood pressure among 226 participants watching a virtual fireplace.
6. Make some comfort food
For some, preparing a favourite recipe is a go-to way to relax.
There are many ways to eat healthily while enjoying your favourite comfort foods too. This could be done by making sure to fill half your plate with veggies. Alternatively, there are also many healthier versions of classic comfort food recipes online and in various cookbooks.
7. Craft your own Christmas decorations
If you celebrate Christmas, why not try your hand at making some ornaments? These days there’s an amazing variety of Christmas decorations. You can find lots of DIY ideas online for everything from robots to dinosaurs to Santa himself. You’ll not only jazz up your tree, but you’ll also enjoy the mental health benefits that come with crafting. Research suggests that creating art reduces anxiety and increases happiness.
8. Enjoy a massage
The holidays are a great time to book a massage. Choose a day where you don’t have much on the agenda, so you can go home and relax. The benefits of massage are bountiful and include improved sleep and circulation.