Academy Xi Blog

How to balance rest and learning over the holidays

By Academy Xi

Woman typing on her phone while working as the Christmas holidays are approaching

The holiday season is finally here – a time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the company of family and friends. 

Yet, for those with ambitious personal or professional goals, it can also feel like the perfect opportunity to sneak in some learning during this period of downtime.

Striking the right balance between rest and growth is no small feat, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right mindset and plan. 

In this article, we’ll explore how you can make the most of the holidays without feeling overworked or overwhelmed.

 

1. Plan ahead but stay flexible 

The holidays can be unpredictable and full of last-minute changes. To stay on track, take a few moments to map out your priorities. Use a digital planner or calendar to allocate blocks of time for both relaxation and learning.

For example, you can structure your day like this:

  • Morning: Allocate 10 minutes to journalling or setting daily intentions.
  • Afternoon: Arrange a fun activity with your loved ones.
  • Evening: Dedicate 20 minutes to online learning or reading.

However, flexibility is key. If a surprise dinner or spontaneous road trip pops up, don’t stress! Learning will still be there tomorrow. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, so let go of any obligations to plan and embrace the unexpected.

This type of planned but flexible schedule allows you to accomplish your goals without missing out on the joys of the season.

 

2. Set boundaries with technology

While technology makes learning more accessible, it can also become a distraction during the festive season. To avoid endless scrolling, set boundaries to ensure you use your devices mindfully and intentionally. 

Limiting screen time by allocating specific periods, such as 30-60 minutes for study sessions or online courses, is a good place to start. During family meals or gatherings, switch off notifications to stay in the present moment. 

When you do use technology, focus on apps or platforms that contribute directly to your learning goals. 

Remember: Balance is about quality over quantity. Even 10 focused minutes of learning can be more valuable than an hour of distracted browsing!

 

3. Embrace the power of micro-learning

Similar to the idea of focused learning, micro-learning can be a game-changer. 

Instead of dedicating hours to study, you can spend just 15-20 minutes learning something new each day. Whether it’s a quick tutorial on YouTube, a podcast episode, or a bite-sized Academy Xi Nano course, these short lessons can fit seamlessly into your busy holiday schedule. 

To make the process feel manageable, you can further set small, specific goals, like mastering a new Excel formula or learning about a new design principle. 

Completing tiny tasks builds momentum and keeps you motivated without adding extra pressure to your day.

 

4. Combine rest and learning

Why choose between rest and learning when you can have both? 

Activities like listening to audiobooks during a leisurely walk, tuning into podcasts about intriguing topics while wrapping gifts or baking cookies, or watching educational documentaries during cozy evenings, can be both relaxing and enriching. 

Practicing hobbies such as calligraphy, knitting, or painting while watching a tutorial further enhances your creative skills while calming your mind. 

By combining rest and learning, you can transform a simple holiday activity into moments of intellectual stimulation.

 

 

5. Make learning fun by involving family and friends

Learning doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Engage your family and friends in the process to make it enjoyable and meaningful. 

Here are some ways you can involve your loved ones:

  • Host a trivia night where everyone tests their knowledge on a fun topic.
  • Sign up for a cooking or crafting workshop together.
  • Create a shared book club or make documentary night a holiday tradition, which can spark thoughtful discussions and the chance for everyone to learn something new. 

Learning together not only strengthens relationships but makes the holidays that much more joyful and fulfilling.

 

6. Dive into topics you’ll actually enjoy

If you don’t think you’ll enjoy learning about a certain topic, there’s no need to force yourself to pursue it.

Instead, choose topics that genuinely excite you. Whether it’s improving your photography skills, mastering a new recipe, or finally picking up that ukelele collecting dust in your closet, choosing topics that interest you makes the learning process much more enjoyable. 

Additionally, use this time to explore passions you might not have the bandwidth for during the rest of the year. The more enjoyable the learning process, the more likely you are to stick with it.

 

 

Balance is the key to holiday bliss

Balancing rest and learning over the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated. 

By keeping in mind these tips, you can enjoy the process of learning while still savouring the magic of the festive season. 

Interested in learning with Academy Xi? Our online courses and workshops are perfect for both individuals and organisations looking to upskill their teams. 

Reach out to us at enterprise@academyxi.com or book a call to see how we can help equip you with the right skills to accelerate your digital career or performance.