Have You Ever Felt Like No Amount of Sleep is Enough? It’s Not Always Rest.

Active Rest During the Holidays: How to Truly Recharge This Festive Season

As the year draws to a close, many people look forward to the holidays as a time to relax, reconnect, and reset. Yet, by the time the holidays arrive, most of us are running on empty—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Between work deadlines, family commitments, and the pressure to make the most of the festive season, true rest can feel elusive. This often leads to us returning to work tired.

That’s where the concept of active rest comes in—a balance between relaxation and gentle activity that helps the body and mind recover while keeping you engaged and energized.

What Is Active Rest?

Active rest doesn’t mean lying on the couch all day (although there’s room for that too). It’s about engaging in low-effort, enjoyable activities that help you recharge without total inactivity.

Examples include:

• Taking a leisurely walk on the beach or in a park
• Swimming or doing light exercise
• Gardening or doing small creative projects
• Gentle stretching, yoga, or meditation
• Intentionally spending mindful time with loved ones

These activities promote relaxation, reduce stress hormones, and keep your energy balanced—preventing the post-holiday slump that often follows complete inactivity or overindulgence.

Why Active Rest Matters

After a busy year, we often go into the holidays still carrying work-related stress. Without a proper wind-down period, the body remains in “fight or flight” mode, making it hard to rest even when you finally have the time.

Active rest:

• Supports mental clarity by breaking the cycle of constant busyness.
• Improves physical wellbeing by keeping your body moving gently, aiding circulation and reducing stiffness.
• Boosts mood through the release of endorphins and exposure to nature.
• Enhances sleep quality—something many people struggle with during high-stress transitions. Active rest provides a well-balanced transition.

How to Wind Down Before the Holidays Start

Instead of pushing through the last few weeks of work in overdrive, it’s worth easing into the festive season intentionally. Here are practical ways to do that:

• Set Clear Boundaries
  Start wrapping up projects early and communicate your availability to colleagues or clients. Avoid overcommitting to last-minute work requests.
• Declutter Your Space and Mind
  A clean environment promotes a sense of calm. Spend some time organizing your workspace or home—it’s a symbolic way to clear mental clutter, too.
• Plan, But Don’t Over-Schedule
  It’s tempting to fill every day of your holiday with activities or social events. Leave some days open for spontaneous rest and unplanned enjoyment.
• Start Slowing Your Pace Now
  Incorporate mini-breaks into your daily routine, such as mindful breathing, short walks, or screen-free evenings. This helps your nervous system adjust before you officially go on leave.
• Disconnect to Reconnect
  Limit your screen time—especially work emails—and focus on meaningful, in-person interactions. True rest often comes from connection, not distraction.

Active Rest Ideas for the South African Summer

Our warm, sunny holidays make active rest easy and enjoyable. Try:

• Morning beach walks or mountain hikes before the midday heat
• Outdoor yoga or meditation under a shady tree
• Exploring local farmers’ markets or craft fairs
• Swimming, paddleboarding, or gentle cycling
• Reading a good book in a hammock
• Hosting a relaxed picnic or braai with friends

A Gentle Reminder

Rest isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity. You don’t have to earn the right to slow down. By embracing active rest and easing into the holiday season mindfully, you’ll return in the new year feeling refreshed, centered, and ready to take on new challenges.

In short: Rest doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. It’s about doing what truly replenishes you. This festive season, let your rest be active, intentional, and restorative.