November ushers in a season of celebration, with the weather at its most pleasant, the vibrant spirit of National Day festivities in the air, the anticipation of holidays, and the joyful aura of indulgence. It’s a month that truly inspires celebration.
The roads and streets beaming with lights and grandeur; the national day offers and discounts on foods, everyday stuff, fine dining, and staycation deals are enough to set everyone abuzz.
With people busy planning the holidays to attain the maximum joyous outcomes, the climate friendlier to execute any outdoor activities, getting bags packed and hopping on to travel, or even settling any scores with a long pending task list to undertake; November is the perfect time to get things in action.
Even if you have no plans for the extended weekend holidays, getting some days off immensely helps you unwind and return to work with better productivity and focus.
Various scientific studies and surveys emphasise the role of long weekends in relieving stress and boosting your performance by providing a disconnect from work and breaking the chain of monotonous brain activity.
An empirical research study from the University of South Australia shows that ‘people displayed more active and healthy behaviours when they were on holiday, even when they only had a three-day break.’
Unlike long breaks, it won't unplug you completely but provides ample time to pause, reflect, and return with better energy and focus. The shorter breaks provide you with the boost needed amid a full-bloom work session to unwind and kick back your creative vibe.
They also allow exploring the city and vicinity, adjoining wilayats or remote suburban areas, new establishments, and picturesque and mesmerising long drives. Oman is a blessed place and wherever quadrant you are the options are countless to explore the countryside and soak in the natural breathtaking landscapes of the region.
To add more to your fun, invite your distant city friends or visit them, and create some cherishable moments. That long-wait hiking day or a desert safari can be executed with picture-perfect and weather-perfect memories to be looked upon in the long haul. Building social connections and investing in time and energy with friends and folks has been an age-old mental healer and reviver.
Moreover, if you are a ‘want to stay at home and do nothing’ type, the time is here to give it a power shot. Catch up on your sleep, there is no rush to wake early. Binge-watch your long pending series or pursue your deep-loved hobby. No e-mails to bother you or no work assignments to interrupt your king-size couch potato life. Seems trivial but this goes tremendously to provide that rejuvenation who loves to zone out from people and work and cherish their very own cocoon space.
Likewise, it provides a deeper insight into the kids’ learning and thought processes. When they actively participate in various National Day events and activities at schools and other community settings, it escalates their zeal and yearning to serve their nation better.
Witnessing the celebrations and festivities fosters curiosity and eagerness to discover more about their nation, its diversity, and cultural and ethical values. Their very place of belonging and connections to the roots emerge stronger when we together indulge and celebrate, let them explore their nation’s rich heritage, and ponder their role in community and nation-building.
As a nation when we collectively celebrate and commemorate the National Day, it sends waves of peace and tranquillity across, thus strengthening the ties and holding the societal fabric woven magnificently to witness and treasure.
Dr Nisma Haris
The writer is a general physician, content creator
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