During the holiday season, it’s no secret that too much stress can take you from merry to morose if you aren’t careful. Between work, shopping, spending time with your family and attending events, you may find it difficult to juggle everything and stay jolly. Don’t fret! With a little planning, you can ensure that the magic of the holidays doesn’t get lost in the chaos. Take a look at our tips for achieving work-life balance this holiday season.
Use Your Paid Time Off/Vacation Days
Unfortunately, many people feel guilty about taking extra time off during the holiday season. Some people are nervous to even ask if they can take a personal day when they know there’s plenty of work to do. The bottom line is that your vacation days are there for you to use, and you should take advantage of them. The holidays are all about love, generosity, warmth and spending time with those who matter most. Never feel guilty for taking the time off to do just that. You’ve earned it.
Take Breaks
When possible, take breaks throughout your workday. If you need to get away from the computer for a few minutes to clear your mind, do a simple meditation, take your dog for a quick walk around the block or step outside for some fresh air, don’t hesitate to do it. Short breaks throughout the day can make a world of difference. Also, don’t skip your lunch break! It’s easy to get caught up in what you’re working on and forget to grab a bite to eat, but taking your lunch break will allow you to get back to work with a clearer mind and more energy. You could even use your lunch break to grab that gift from the boutique up the road so you don’t have to worry about it later.
Prioritize Your Mental Health
For many, the holidays can be stressful and even upsetting. The pressure to make things “perfect” or avoid disappointing a loved one can lead to anxiety. The holidays can also remind people of the family members and friends they’ve lost over the years. It’s important to make your mental health a priority year-round, including during the holiday season. If you feel anxious, isolated or depressed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a loved one, set aside some time for yourself to decompress or talk to a therapist. There’s no shame in asking for help, and people are here to support you.
Plan In Advance
If your workload is heavier during the holiday season, it’s crucial to plan things in advance and prioritize assignments based on deadlines. The holiday season is not the time to procrastinate, so be sure to work ahead on projects when possible, block out certain periods of the day for certain assignments and don’t let due dates get lost in the shuffle. This also goes for your personal life—do you have a friend or family member who can help you run errands or pick up gifts? Would it be easier to do some holiday shopping online instead of setting aside time to shop at the mall? As long as you use your time wisely, you should be able to strike up a balance to get your work completed on time despite the days you’ll be taking off for holiday fun. Which leads us to our next point…
Set Healthy Boundaries
Being a team player is important, but it’s also important to set healthy boundaries when it comes to your free time and your mental health. If things are getting too hectic and your plate is too full, don’t be afraid to say no to taking on an unrealistic project. If something absolutely needs to be done by a specific date, don’t hesitate to ask your coworkers for help to ease the burden. Communicate with your manager and coworkers so you can work together to find a solution. If you need to relax and just can’t make it to that parade or cocktail party, don’t sweat it. Nobody deserves to feel overwhelmed and burned out.
At MHP/Team SI, our employees are one of our top priorities. That’s why we have a hybrid schedule that allows employees the flexibility to work from home throughout the week. Our employees also have access to SWEAP Connections, which includes free counseling services and a variety of useful resources. Does that sound like the kind of work environment you want? View our openings here!
Putting your employees first during the holiday season is a must. Don’t leave their happiness on the back burner. Instead, do what you can to help your employees and coworkers shine during the most magical time of the year.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
