The Wellness Institute The Wellness Institute Powered by Seven Oaks General Hospital
  • Today’s Schedule
    • See Month Schedule
    • Download Exercise Schedule PDF
  • Contact Us
    • Wellness Institute
      at Seven Oaks General Hospital
      1075 Leila Avenue
      Winnipeg, Manitoba
      R2P 2W7
      • Phone: 204-632-3900
      • Fax: 204-697-2412
      • Email: info@wellnessinstitute.ca
  • Hours
    • Hours of Operation
      • Monday-Thursday: 5:00am-11:00pm
      • Friday: 5:00am-9:00pm
      • Saturday & Sunday: 7:00am-7:00pm
      • See Holiday Schedule
  • Search
  • Log In
  • Our Story
  • Our Clinic
  • Services
  • Membership
  • Sign Up

A Vacation from the Vacation

What to Do When Holidays Leave You Feeling Drained.

By Kamara Tayo, Jones,
MSW, RSW, BA Sc

It’s that busy time of the year when work, social and family obligations might just overlap and our time and energy resources become limited. During the holiday season we have so many opportunities to connect with those in our lives to form meaningful memories, participate in holiday rituals and have some good old-fashioned fun.

When the holidays are over we can often feel like we need a vacation from our vacation. That is a good indication that our time and energy are in short supply and we need a plan to rejuvenate ourselves.

Here are some options to consider when needing to recover and restore our health and wellbeing.

  1. Be Still. Take time to listen to your thoughts without judgment, guilt and shame. Just recognize what the thoughts are and how they make you feel.
  2. Deep breathing. Have a seat and relax your body. DO NOT HOLD YOUR BREATH. Take a deep breath in and while you do so notice the feeling of the air filling your lungs and the reactions of your body. Then slowly exhale and notice the feeling of the air leaving your lungs and the reactions of your body. Now you are focused on your breathing and repeat this rhythmically for a few minutes until you feel relaxed.
  3. Progressive Relaxation. Find a comfortable seat and sit down with your feet touching the floor. Take-in a deep breath. Relax your body and close your eyes as you exhale. With each breath in, focus on a group of muscles, tense the muscles and then release the tension when you exhale. Gradually work your way down from your head and face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, torso, hips, legs, and then finally your feet. At the end of this experience, you have progressively relaxed each part of your body. To help with visualization, try to picture a cool blue light moving through you as each muscle group tenses and relaxes. That cool blue light can leave your body at the tips of your toes. And you are finished!
  4. Rest and rest well. A good night’s sleep can go a long way to help us feel rested and ready for the activities of the day. If that is not enough then consider a rest period or a nap. Resting effectively means finding a comfortable place, controlling distractions and allowing your body and mind opportunities to reconnect. That means turning off the screens, seeking silence or calm music and using methods of relaxation such as those discussed above. If you feel the need to sleep, take a short nap earlier in the day to avoid disrupting your natural sleep schedule. Set a timer for 30 minutes or less and allow yourself a chance to fall asleep. Upon waking, stretch your body, drink a glass of water and get ready for the rest of your day.
  5. Take time to reconnect with yourself. What about that book you wanted to read? Or the movie you wanted to watch? Take time to engage yourself in an activity that makes you feel good, calm and rested. That can mean a massage, dinner alone, a walk in the community, a yoga session, or whatever your heart desires. Just remember, it must be safe and meaningful to you.
  6. Build on success. Remember how you felt when you did something really well. There is that feeling that you’ve accomplished a task, did something you have been putting-off or simply crossed something off your never-ending to-do list. Maybe today is the day that will happen. When you finally do it, you just might feel relief and peace that it is finally done. Find ways to help you achieve that success and repeat as needed.
  7. Laugh and laugh some more. Laughter will release tension and relieve stress. It triggers the release of endorphins which help your body feel good. Laughter has rhythm and relies on an audible sound and physical movement. It is exercise for our brain and body. Watch something funny such as the animals out in the community or a funny program. Listen to comedy on a podcast or radio show. Play a game with your family and friends. Relish in the moment of joy and take that feel-good feeling with you on the rest of your day.

Kamara holds a Master’s of Social Work degree and a Bachelor of Arts & Science degree in psychology. She is a registered social worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers and has worked in health and social services for over 21 years. Kamara has been an instructor for the University of Manitoba and provided mental health services in regional health programs. In her current role, she supports clients to manage chronic diseases, promote healthy behaviour change, and improve healthy living.

For more support managing stress

Kamara is part of our mental wellness team and can help with stress management and building resilience, to help you develop skills and strategies for positively managing challenges in your life.

get support
  • Community Health
  • For Heath Care Providers
  • For Insurers
  • Media
  • Employment
  • Wellness Apps
Powered by seven oaks general hospital
seven oaks general hospital

Join our mailing lists for news and updates

subscribe
Follow Us
Feedback
"Love the fact this place focuses on your health!" – Cindy
“Everybody searches for the fountain of youth in a pill. I’ve always told people the fountain of youth is working out and probably the Wellness Institute is one of the best places you can go to stay active and live to a ripe old age. I can say that Wellness has saved my life!” – Chuck
"Great facility and very clean. Always someone to help you and a lot of machines available. Love walking the track." – Kelley
“The Wellness Institute is a first class facility with excellent fitness instructors and health professionals. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to improve upon their level of fitness and health.” – Van
"Did my Cardiac Rehab at the Wellness in 2008 and stuck with it ever since. Thanks Wellness..." – Chuck
"One month after joining the Wellness I was able to stop all medication. 12 years later I not only run but do aerobics, weights and yoga. Being able to workout at the Wellness was the best thing I could ever do to help me manage my grief. Thank you Wellness!" – Kim
“Amazing atmosphere. ...friendly staff” – Gagan
"It's an amazing place to workout. The staff and facilities are wonderful" – Tori
"Best facilities with amazing staff. Love to be there EVERY DAY." – Bunty
"The Wellness is the best gym ever!! It is very inclusive. I wouldn't go anywhere else!" – Andrea
“This is a great place to get fit. I’m hoping to enroll in the Winnipeg Police Department and this is a great place to get ready.” – Jatinder
"The Wellness Institute has been the core foundation for my physical well being. When I first started at Wellness back in October, I was barely hobbling around with my cane. Now I pass healthy people on the track. Without a cane. This building is full of so much hope. Care. Compassion." – Zenon
  • Join/Membership
  • Virtual Membership
  • Fitness Options
  • Visiting as a Guest
  • The Wellness Institute Clinic
  • Living with Chronic Conditions
  • Managing Workplace Injuries
  • Corporate Health Services
  • Healthy Weight Loss
  • Healthy Aging
  • Brain Health
  • Wellness Services
  • Donate
  • Safety Strategy
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy
  • Phone: 204-632-3900
  • Fax: 204-697-2412
  • email wellness

Copyright © 2023 Seven Oaks General Hospital, part of Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. All rights reserved.

Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital 1075 Leila Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R2P 2W7