Why I never work over Christmas (and neither should you)

20 Dec

I don’t ever work over the Christmas holidays. Never have, never will. I don’t mark mocks. Ditto coursework. I don’t answer emails, input data, or plan lessons. I don’t write the reports that are invariably due back on the first day of term. I don’t organise intervention sessions, or plan (or go on) educational visits, or attend seminars, or network with colleagues. I don’t check LinkedIn or Twitter. I don’t watch the news (which is basically sacrilegious for a Politics teacher) and I don’t read any books relating to my subjects. As far as I possibly can I try to switch my mind off from work. Completely off. Tumbleweeds off. Vacant, staring into the middle distance off.

The reason I do nothing? It’s simple. I like to relax and have fun and look after myself. And it’s good for my mental health, too.

Yes it feels indulgent and often leads to a bit of a frantic January, but after the hardest and longest term of the year I always feel I’ve earned my rest. And I really, really enjoy it. What’s more, I feel my students have earned a rest too, which is why I never set them homework, or projects, or revision over the break. After all, there’s plenty of time for that in term time and once upon a time there was something called the sanctity of childhood.

This year it is more important than ever to take a break. With numerous studies showing that children’s mental health has worsened during the pandemic[1] and the prospect of looming lockdowns and exam uncertainty now seems the perfect time to nestle down and rest.

Not sure where to start? Here are some tips to get going:

1. Put your phone away
It has been proven that smartphones have a negative impact on young people’s mental health[2], especially when used to look at social media. Yes, they can be useful for staying in touch with friends, or playing games and so on, but in general they won’t make you feel happy and relaxed. Designate a time (maybe from a certain point in the evening, or perhaps a whole day) where the smartphone is off-limits and put it away. Properly away. In a locked box or car where you cannot get it. Try to get your family and friends to do this too. Then talk. Play games. Read. And generally enjoy yourself.

2. Do something you enjoy
It may well be (although I sincerely hope it isn’t) the case that you have mock exams and homework deadlines to contend with over the Christmas break. You might have to do some work towards these, but it’s also important to make time for the things you enjoy. Do things for the sheer joy of doing them – you don’t need to be good, and you don’t need to achieve your goals. It could be anything. Hanging out with friends and family. Constructing the world’s most elaborate gingerbread house. Singing. Dancing. Playing a musical instrument. Running. A movie marathon. And if you need to put it into a timetable, do that. Just make sure you commit to giving yourself downtime – you deserve it!

3. Sleep
One of the best things about the Christmas holidays is that for two glorious weeks you don’t have to set an alarm or get into school or college before 9 in the morning. Take advantage of the extra time and catch-up on some well-needed rest. Teenagers need up to 10 hours a night[3]. So, ditch the caffeine, avoid screens before bed, and try to get a few early nights to catch up on some zzz’s.

Everyone is different and it might be that you are feeling really overwhelmed this year and could do with a little more mental health support. Below are some links to some organisations who may be able to help.

I wish you a peaceful Christmas break.