It may be too early to put up the tree for some, but that doesn't mean Christmas isn't on the minds of many Brits right now. Many of us think it’s still too early to know whether the current restrictions have been beneficial and, therefore, could be extended, extending into the period where people would be having Christmas work do’s, inviting family over for the holidays, or planning nights out with friends.

People are currently left in limbo, not knowing what to do, what’s going on and what’s going to happen. Should they plan a work Christmas party or just cancel Christmas this year? Should workers book time off and plan celebrations or just accept this year Christmas will be sat at home on a Zoom call? With everything that’s so up in the air, this leaves many of us confused, unsure and even anxious.

But, one thing is for sure, whether you are a worker, a business owner, or a job hunter, it can be so easy, when staying at home, to blur the lines with working hours. So, it is vital to literally turn off your computer to switch off for a set amount of days over the Christmas period. It is, of course, easier said than done when your home may have merged into your office this year. By simulating a commute to help you disconnect from work at the end of regular working hours, employees may consciously sign off for the evening. At the end of the working day it is important to try and clear your head. You can help to draw a boundary between work and home life by planning activities over the festive period, either, hopefully, out or even staying at home. Even if workers are feeling left in the dark, by doing something in a blocked off period, where you can lose yourself and forget about work for a while, can really do wonders for the mind. Whether it’s catching up with a friend on the phone or video chat, cooking your favourite meal, spending time on a hobby, going out for a drink and a catch up, volunteering for a charity, or learning something entirely new. The most important thing is to enjoy getting lost in the moment and forget about the work over what could arguably be the hardest Christmas many of us may face in our lifetime.

So, as the only thing to do right now is to take each day as it comes, plan to focus on each little part of Christmas as each week unfolds. But, take note, and know that booking a few days off, closing that laptop, or putting down your tools is a must, being clear in your mind to set job hunting, work and work goals aside for even a short time. And, whatever happens this Christmas, the lockdown being lifted, and who is spending what and where, coming out the other side feeling more refreshed, recharged, relaxed and inspired will make going back to work that little bit easier. So, unless you are Santa Claus himself, enjoy the much-needed break after this dreadful year.

Paul is the Public Sector Director at Veredus Insight a Talent Research, Analytics & Insight consultancy part of Capita plc.