With the holiday season in full swing, police officers need to be extra conscientious about their own personal health and safety as it is a very busy season. A balanced life is essential if it means that police will be able to enjoy the holidays as well! These tips will help you ensure you make the most of the season:
- Take time for yourself – the holidays can be very demanding upon a police officer, both when they are at work and when they are at home with family. Make sure you carve out some time every day or every week to yourself to unwind and do something that you enjoy.
- Find dedicated family time – with all of the holiday community events, and engagements with friends and more, it is important to spend some personal time with your immediate family members. Make this happen even if you have to schedule it at a time that you will all be together.
- Allow yourself to celebrate when and where it is appropriate – you should let loose (within limits) over the holidays, in any way that you prefer. While you are always representing your force and your community, it’s okay to engage in fun activities just like the rest of the human population; after all, police are human too!
- Celebrate your beliefs – while in the public eye, you may try and maintain neutral holiday beliefs, but when you are with loved ones, celebrate your religious and social beliefs and embrace them!