12 "tasks" that will help us rest fully and fill our lazy days with meaning

We are starting to think about the holidays and 2 types of people have emerged in the office:

• Teddy's camp includes all those who don't like holidays very much because they are overwhelmed by a feeling of lost time and weightlessness;
• The Miryanka camp - those who know that during the holidays they will break down from running to serve the household, traveling to relatives, etc., and then need to take a break from the holiday.

Don't get us wrong. We love the holidays! But we're a little afraid that we get our hopes up too high for them, and then are disappointed.

The tendency is to relax, and so we miss out. We miss out on fully enjoying the days we wait all year for. That's why we've compiled a short list of ideas that will help us make the most of the break:

From December 21 to January 3, we will post one of these "tasks" every day in the Proper.media Facebook page. Take advantage of the See First option so you don't miss any of them.

1. Plan physical activity - Everyone likes a different type of exercise, but on at least 3 of all days off you should plan some time for sport. You could combine with seeing an old friend - at the gym, at tennis, or with a whole gang of friends for a game of basketball or a walk.
2. Read a book - something you haven't had time for in a long time. Or reread your favourite - that way you're guaranteed to like it and you don't need 100%-that concentration while reading. Our team has identified a few books to read. For Teddy it's "How to Win Friends and Influence Others" by Dale Carnegie, Miryanka has prepared "The Leader Who Had No Title" by Robin Sharma, Nikolai - "The Real Warren Buffett" by James O'Loughlin, and Maria - "Sex and Communism" by Milena Fuchedzhieva, and Mel and Galya are following our blog and waiting for suggestions.
3. Warm up friends - in groups or singly. Make a list of all the friends you want to see during the holidays. Call them now to expect a holiday inclusion. When the holiday schedule becomes clear, call them again to check when and where convenient times to see each other can be crossed and arrange them before the holidays arrive.
4. Take care of someone - cross unexpected and unsolicited good! This increases our sense of being useful and makes us feel good. Babysit a friend's child for 2-3 hours so she can do something for herself, walk someone's dog, shovel the snow in front of the block, buy food, or take something homemade to a neighbor - even if there is no need, just out of neighborly love.
5. Take time to do nothing - if the time for idleness is put within limits, you have every right and excuse to enjoy it without remorse. Besides, setting aside a specific time for doing nothing means you don't have to laze the rest of the time 🙂 .
6. Arrange some cupboard/basement/ceiling - this will increase the feeling of useful time and contribute to more comfort at home. Guaranteed you'll appreciate this small investment when the holidays are over. Bringing order to chaos also has a positive effect on our mental state! Guarantee!
7. Food - very big topic. On the one hand, we are already aware that we will be eating a lot. On the other hand, we want to feel good. Our advice is to give yourself permission to overeat at holiday meals, but promise yourself that the rest of the time you won't finish (unless you're hungry) and you won't eat out of boredom. Drink tea when you feel like something - cool, Christmassy, special!
8. Full time with family - those who most deserve our quality time are our loved ones. Remember, the holidays are for enjoying time together, not for getting angry at each other that the plan didn't go well or the shopping list wasn't fulfilled. Around the hustle and bustle around the tables, around the rush of gifts and travel arrangements, we run the risk of not having time to sit down and talk with family. We challenge you, take time with each of your loved ones and talk about how the year has gone for them and for you.
9. Take stock - in writing or just by heart, or in conversation with someone close to you - how did the year go, what important events happened, how far did you get in fulfilling your plans and dreams?
10. Set goals for the next year: what important things do you expect to happen, what do you want to do, where to go, who to meet/see?
11. Watch a favorite movie, or someone you haven't had time for in a long time. Go to the cinema or organise a home cinema evening. Check out the offers on TV or download something on your computer. But do it your way - with popcorn, tea or another special extra. Make it a complete experience, not just hanging in front of the screen by the way.
12. Get ready for the first day of work - the hardest day of the holidays is the last. Make it better! Think about work, but not the part that stresses you out, but the good part. If you love your co-workers, make them chocolate (there's always someone left over from presents)! Prepare a favourite item of clothing to wear or a new one that Santa brought you. When we feel beautiful, we feel good!

Now it's your turn! Please help us to enrich this list with other ideas for an enjoyable and relaxing holiday. We would also be delighted if you could share your concerns about the festive season. We also don't mind if you tell us that we are insane and that no one needs advance preparation to enjoy the holidays (: Comment below or join the discussion  at Proper.media Facebook page.

Have a happy and fulfilling holiday season!