Has it been a productive year for you? Have you worked hard and gone a few steps closer towards reaching your goals? If you have, then congratulations, take a well-deserved break! Because when you’re studying or working, getting the right amount of rest and relaxation is vital for your well-being.

The end of year rush

The last few months of the year are often extremely stressful. You may be feeling burnt out after a long year of work, scrambling to meet final deadlines, or going through the anxiety of studying for end-of-year exams. After a long and busy year, your body and mind will be both be begging you for some rest. If you ignore what they are telling you, then you could experience a physical or mental break down, which will set you back for the coming year.

The benefits of rest

Research from various studies in a number of countries has found that most of us do not take enough time off. We worry that our jobs might be taken away from us if we don’t work hard all the time, or that we may fall behind in our studies if we aren’t studying at every available moment.

But what many people don’t realise is that getting rest is an essential part of being able to achieve your maximum potential. If you’re well rested, with a clear and sharp mind, then you’ll be more productive at work or during your studies. If you’ve been working virtually non-stop for several months, or spending late nights hitting the books, then eventually it will all be too much to handle and you will find yourself overstressed. It’s unlikely that you’ll be productive when you’re feeling that!

In addition, rest has been shown to be very beneficial for your physical health. In a well-known study called the Framingham Heart Study, men who were at risk of heart disease were found to live longer the more frequently they took vacations. Other studies have also shown that rest improves the health of your heart and lowers blood pressure. So if you’re longing for a holiday, then don’t be afraid to take one!


Rewarding yourself for a good year

It’s time to pat yourself on the back for everything you’ve achieved this year. Celebrate your victories, whether it be something as significant as landing your first job, or something as small as passing your first assignment during your college studies. All of these victories are taking you closer to where you want to be!

Don’t stress too much if you didn’t achieve everything you set out to do. If you did the best you could do, then take the break you need before tackling the new year. On the other hand, if you know that you could have put a lot more effort into achieving your goals, then it might be time to reflect on what you can do differently in 2020.

The new year always presents exciting new opportunities for personal growth. Grab them with both hands! But don’t forget to also fit in the rest that you need to perform at your best!

Thanks for reading! If you’re studying with us in the new year, then we look forward to helping you on your journey. If you’re still wondering what to study, then click here to browse all of Oxbridge Academy’s courses.