The holidays are a time of joy and celebration for many, but for some people they can be a time of stress and anxiety—added family obligations, financial burdens and unrealistic expectations. This is especially true for those who work in high-pressure jobs during the holiday season.
While there are many things you can do to reduce the amount of stress in your life, here are five tips that will help you manage stress at work and stay sane during the holidays.
Tip #1: Make a list of what needs to be done.
The holiday season can be overwhelming, with all the extra tasks that need to be completed on top of your regular workload. To help reduce stress, make a list of everything that needs to be done and delegate tasks—to colleagues, family, friends—where possible.
And don’t be afraid of using seasonal services like catering or gift-wrapping. This will help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done.
Tip #2: Set realistic expectations for yourself and others.
Don't put pressure on yourself to make this the best holiday season ever. Remember that you're not perfect and that everyone else is also dealing with their own stresses. And be understanding if your colleagues or loved ones don't meet all your expectations.
In fact, it's okay to lower your standards a bit during the holidays and focus on what's really important. Indeed, perfect is overrated and your family and friends will love you no matter what.
Tip #3: Stick to your routine as much as possible.
The holidays can be a very chaotic time, and it can be tough to stick to your normal routine. But it's important to try to maintain some semblance of normalcy, especially if you're feeling stressed out. This might mean waking up at the same time each day, eating your usual meals or taking some time for yourself each evening.
Yes, it may seem difficult to do during the holidays, but the familiar structure can help keep your sanity in check.
Tip #4: Avoid over-scheduling yourself.
During the holidays it's easy to overcommit yourself and say yes to everything—company parties, family gatherings, evenings out with friends. But this can often lead to even more stress, as you try to fit everything in and end up feeling frazzled and overwhelmed.
Avoid this by being realistic about what you can commit to and saying no when necessary. Your mental and physical health should always come first, so don’t hesitate to take a break from all things social if you need it.
Tip #5: Boundaries are a good thing.
It can be tough to set boundaries during the holiday season, but (as mentioned above) it's important to remember that you need to take care of yourself first and foremost. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to say no to requests from your co-workers or family members. It's okay to set limits and establish some boundaries so that you can enjoy the holiday season without feeling stressed out.
Finally, don’t forget to smile and reflect on the things you’re grateful for! Doing so can help lighten your mood and put things into perspective. The holidays are meant to be a joyful time, and it's important to remember that even when things are stressful.
And one last thing: If you're struggling to cope with stress and anxiety during the holidays, seek professional help. A therapist can help you manage your stress levels and provide you with tools and techniques to deal with difficult situations. Don't be afraid to seek one out if you're feeling overwhelmed. It could be the best decision you make this holiday season.
If you found this blog post helpful, please share it with your friends and colleagues. And if you have any other tips, share them in the comments below.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rob Stalder is driven by the one thing he values most in life: joy. The joy in feeling like a kid again, the joy in fulfilling a sense of adventure, the joy in making a difference in peoples’ lives and the joy in helping others become the best versions of themselves. He uses the skills and expertise he's garnered throughout his career to bring joy to life—both for himself and for others.
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