5 ways to stay in your Groov over the holidays
Highlights from our end-of-year wrap-up webinar, including five wellbeing tips to take into 2023 and beyond.
As we approach the end of another big year, it’s a great time to reflect, recharge, and reset.
In our very last webinar for 2022, Groov co-founder Sir John Kirwan and VP Clinical Dr Fiona Crichton share tips for staying in your Groov over the holiday season.
Watch Let’s celebrate: An end-of-year wrap-up or read their top five tips below.
1. Make a Worry Map
One of the first things Sir JK does to prepare for the holiday season is make a Worry Map. Available in the Groov App, the Worry Map guides you through your worries and helps you make a plan of action.
“I did a Worry Map two weeks ago and that was a ‘Merry Christmas JK Worry Map’,” says Sir JK.
“How am I going to get to Christmas and not be stressed or burnt out? What can’t I control and what can I control? The Worry Map made my mindset way more relaxed.”
2. Be intentional about checking work messages
It can be really hard to set boundaries around checking work messages when you’re on holiday. Sir JK and Dr Fiona both struggle with this – to the point where Sir JK acknowledges he’s just banned his phone from the bathroom!
The reason it’s hard is because our brains crave the dopamine hit we get from checking, explains Dr Fiona. But the wellbeing benefits of taking a break from work are enormous.
“A lot of people are saying that they’re the tiredest they’ve ever felt, and we know part of tiredness in this day and age is that we’re so connected to work all the time or to social media,” says Dr Fiona.
She suggests designating a specific time of day to check your work messages, such as after dinner.
3. Follow the 5 Bs of wellbeing
Groov’s 5 Bs of wellbeing are breathing, boundaries, breaks, body, and be kind. These are especially helpful during stressful times or if you’re working through the holiday season.
Breathing: Take micro moments throughout your day to breathe deeply and just be. If you’re new to deep breathing, use the Breathing Tool in the Groov App for some guided exercises.
Boundaries: Set boundaries to protect your downtime and make time for things you enjoy.
Breaks: If you’re working through – or feeling overwhelmed in social situations – take regular breaks to give your brain a chance to rest.
Body: Strive to support your body through nourishing food, exercise, and rest. But be sure to enjoy some holiday treats, too!
Be kind: Show kindness to both yourself and others. Speak to yourself like you would a friend and make time for you.
4. Remember BALLS: Our favourite holiday acronym!
Dr Fiona loves a good acronym and BALLS is one her holiday favourites. BALLS stands for breathe, acknowledge, let go, look for small good things, and seek the joy.
Breathe: Any time you feel stressed, overwhelmed, anxious – take time to breathe.
Acknowledge: Write your feelings down and feel them. Simply acknowledging difficult emotions can make them feel less overwhelming. It’s OK to feel however you feel!
Let go: Strive to let go of things you can’t control. Use the Worry Map in the Groov App to support you through this process – it only takes a few minutes.
Look for small good things: This reminds your brain that even if times are hard or strange right now, there are still good things in the world.
Seek the joy: Similar to looking for small good things, this helps your brain focus on moments that are bringing you joy and happiness.
5. Say “congratulations to me”
One of Sir JK’s favourite sayings is “congratulations to me”. These three simple words are a powerful reminder to reflect on everything you’re doing well.
“It’s time to reflect. Time to reset. Have a great one. Be kind, mainly to yourself. Congratulations to all of us for getting through this year!”
Watch the full webinar!
