YOLO or Rest: What should Gen Zs choose this Holiday Season?

AS THE much awaited Christmas season approaches, many people, particularly those in Generation Z, are at a crossroads in determining how they want to spend their upcoming brief break. 

When deciding how to spend a break, two prominent techniques spring to mind. The spontaneous, adrenaline-fueled motto of “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) versus the self-care-driven option of rest and relaxation. 

With the pressure that this generation feels from school, work, and social media throughout the year, the end of the year can feel like a critical time to either recharge or live in the moment before the new year begins.

Given that the Christmas season is soon around the approach, the choice between YOLO and rest is highly personal. That is why republicasia did an interview with numerous Gen Zs on their plans. 

Rest is a must

Rest has become a luxury in an age of continual connectedness, social demands, and an exhausting pace of living. For Generation Z, the last few years have been especially difficult. 

As a result, many people in this age may feel fatigued, psychologically burned out, or in need of a break to reclaim their physical, emotional, and psychological health.

Ralph Castro, in particular, is a Gen Z who plans to spend the holidays with his family. Rest would be a perfect way for him to spend the holiday season, allowing him to replenish all of his lost energy from the previous year.

“For now my plans are just to spend time with my family and catch up with my friends in the province. Staying here in Manila for work has been stressful, even going back to the province, due to traffic.

“I would rather relax this year during the holiday season. Spend time to relax with family at home teasing one another through jokes and have fun playing games. That way I can relax and leave all the stress,” he added.

Meanwhile, Reymond Santos would like to spend more time with his family and friends, and the Christmas season is the greatest time for him to take a break, relax, and unwind from work, preferably close to home.

“Relaxation, definitely,” said Santos. “I’ve already YOLO’d the last couple of years being a working student so until now, rest is a huge part of my priority.”

“Even my bosses from time to time would tell me to take the time off and relax. It’s the holidays, savor it as it’s only happening once in a while every year,” he added.

Mix of both

While the holiday season presents a clear opportunity to rest or live adventurously, there is no need to choose between the two. For Gen Zs, a hybrid approach may be the best way to handle this period. 

By alternating between rest and adventure, they can have the best of both worlds. You can be present and enjoy the calm times of solitude while still creating memories with loved ones or seeking out new experiences.

“A mix of both. I’ll make sure to spend time with the people I love the most, while also taking enough time to rest,” said Mariel Roja. “My girlfriend will visit me after months of not being together, so I’m looking forward to spending time with her.”

Nonetheless, despite his decision to rest, Santos, 25, feels that YOLO and rest can coexist. “There are instances when we have to go all out, go YOLO despite all,” he said.

“But something I learned throughout the course of working was that sometimes it wouldn’t hurt to step back, take a breather, and appreciate the simple holidays be it with your family or friends.”

“I learned to prioritize certain things like health and create valuable time for people in my life. Though sometimes, YOLO can be unavoidable or you really want to do something during the holiday season, I’d say just push through it THEN take that breather after,” he added.

Rest enables Generation Z to recover from a difficult year, replenish their mental and physical health, and approach the new year with clarity. Embracing the YOLO mindset provides the opportunity to experience life to the fullest. 

However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Both rest and adventure are necessary for a balanced, satisfying life. 

For Gen Zs, the ideal option may be a balance — a holiday season that offers time to rest, reflect, and revitalize while still allowing for spontaneity and the delight of being there.