Going into Thanksgiving week, I knew that it was going to be a stressful one. With a big deadline looming on the other side of a three-day week and the holiday, I was cutting back on sleep and not able to look forward to the much needed time off. However, by 5 P.M. on Wednesday, I had decided to take the next three days for myself.

We’re given time off for a reason. When work takes all of our energy, it can be easy to cut out time or things we enjoy. Taking the time to re-charge is important to keep each of us healthy and happy.

December can be an especially busy time for work and school. This is on top of holiday parties, shopping for that perfect present and listening to non-stop Christmas music. With all of the extra noise during the next few weeks, it can be easy to let stress take away from any time with family or friends.

Instead of getting caught up in the stress, use the time off that’s given to you. The work that’s there when you leave will be waiting when you get back. So as we head into what can be the busiest time of the year, here are five things not to take for granted during your time off.

1. The Extra Sleep

One of the best things about days off is sleeping in. The ability to take a three hour nap whenever you want is a close runner-up. Sleep is incredibly important when your body needs to recharge. Don’t limit yourself to the usual five hours you get during a typical week. Use the time off you have and let your body get all the sleep it has been begging for.

2. Time For The Gym

Let’s be honest, when you’re running out of time in a day the first thing you're going to give up is that hour you carved out for the gym. It takes 21 days to make a habit. Take advantage of this extra time to begin this habit you’re always talking about. While working out may be one of the one of the last things you think about during vacation, it can go a long way to start a habit that has such a good effect on your physical and mental health.

3. The Book On Your Desk

It may not be a book for you, maybe it’s an empty canvas you’ve been trying to paint for two months. Whatever it is, use your time off to finish it. When things get stressful and busy, that good book or empty canvas can get pushed aside for months at time. Taking the hours that you usually spend pouring over spreadsheets to enjoy a good novel will be well worth the two-month wait.

4. You Time

This is even more important during time off. Just because work is on hold doesn’t mean there won’t be other stressors present. If the kitchen gets too crowded, take a walk around the block. If you can’t handle one more “You’re still single?” comment, take five minutes to remember why it’s great to focus on yourself. If you’re tired of the same viral videos on Facebook, put your phone on airplane mode and unplug for a couple hours. You are important. Take your time off to put yourself first for at least a few minutes each day.

5. The Memories

While family can get frustrating and some traditions may seem tired, the memories that are made can’t be replaced. Holiday memories seem to stick out more than others to me. They invoke a special feeling of warmth and togetherness that can’t always be found in a run-of-the-mill weekend.

Make sure this holiday season, whatever you celebrate and whenever you do it, to enjoy the extra time with your friends and family. Make the most of each moment. These are the memories you’ll recall years later when you’ve gathered together again to make more.