Do some personal admin

Look, as much as we recommend being a very Christmassy slug on the sofa throughout the entire Twixmas period, we know that some Type A people just can’t bear to do nothing. It feels as itchy and uncomfortable as that Christmas jumper your nan knitted.

If that’s you, logging on to do some work will feel tempting about an hour after you’ve opened all your presents. Don’t give in. Instead, fulfil that need to do something by carving out some time for personal admin, whether that’s writing out your goals for 2024 or finally reorganising your sock and underwear drawer.

“For those that work full time, the chances are you have a long list of life admin that is patiently waiting in the corner for you until you have time to look at it,” says Cooper.

“Annual leave can be the perfect time to tackle a to-do list that has been piling up, so start with the things that are the most important and have been sitting for a few more weeks than you like. Not only will you feel like you’ve checked off a few things that you’ve been meaning to do, but you’ll also be able to distract yourself from work.”

How to disconnect from work and properly enjoy your Christmas break