The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, often dubbed ‘Twixmas’ or ‘Feral Week,’ is an invitation for many to disconnect from the daily grind. It’s a period when people set aside looming projects and deadlines, embracing the idea that these responsibilities belong to the future. This mindset resonates with the likes of Celeste Headlee, whose birthday conveniently falls during this break, making it the perfect excuse to escape from the incessant ping of emails.
Twixmas is a phenomenon that encourages temporary freedom from the hustle culture. Celeste Headlee, known for her unwavering stance on prioritizing personal well-being over endless productivity, advocates for this break. She suggests the whole world could benefit from hitting pause during this week, an idea that aligns well with her work on moving away from overworking and undervaluing ourselves.
Peggy Loo, a New York psychologist, highlights how this period allows people to break free from the ongoing rat race. Living in a city where busyness often equates to success, Loo finds value in collective deceleration during holidays. Once people observe a universal slowdown, they can genuinely indulge in rest rather than feel left out while others plow through their workloads.
The health implications of not taking a break are substantial. Headlee cites World Health Organization findings that link excessive work hours to severe health risks like strokes and heart disease. The cultural notion of constant work equates to wellness is misguided, she explains. Loo also emphasizes the psychological benefit of downtime, which helps in enriching one’s life beyond the confines of career achievements.
Many are fortunate enough to use this time to enjoy vacations or relax at home, while others must juggle work commitments. Still, Headlee proposes that even those working during Twixmas should ensure they operate only within their paid hours and completely refrain from taking on additional projects at home. Whether it’s resisting the urge to organize or simply choosing not to catch up on work, the key is actual relaxation.
The concept of rest, as elaborated by Loo, should extend beyond the absence of work. It includes anything that rejuvenates you, be it a short break from the desk or a cheerful exchange with friends. For some, making small changes during this week—like checking emails less frequently or taking spontaneous walks—can significantly boost their well-being.
Headlee’s views are reflected in the growing cultural shift towards frequent breaks and setting boundaries. Some organizations are introducing four-day work weeks and limiting after-hours communication. While it’s a far cry from the leisurely celebrations of the past, such changes offer hope for redefining work-life balance. “We can change it back,” Headlee says, optimistic about reversing the modern trend of minimizing rest.
Twixmas serves as a crucial reminder of the necessity of balance in our lives. As experts like Headlee and Loo suggest, setting aside time to truly rest not only benefits physical and mental health but fosters a healthier work-life dynamic. In embracing these pauses, society begins to recognize the untapped value in periods of genuine downtime, which ultimately enhances our overall well-being.
Source: Yahoo
