Dec 1, 2018
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The last couple months of the year can be filled with family, food, fun, and stress. Lots and lots of stress. Trying to get everything done in time for the new year can be completely overwhelming, especially when you throw work into the mix. No one wants to work through the holidays, so it is important to prioritize your time so you can complete everything you need to in order to enjoy your vacation. Here are some helpful tips to help you manage your time this holiday season.
Consider Exercising
This may sound almost counterproductive, but exercise relieves stress, gives you more energy and will help you focus on the task at hand. Adding in a session of yoga or cardio can help you feel better and let you feel less guilty about the extra slice of pie. Plus, the gym is going to be very crowded in January, so it is best to maybe get a head start on your new year’s resolution so you can stay motivated when the new year rolls around. You might feel that taking time out of your day to exercise when you need to be working on other things is a waste of time, but it will leave you feeling much better and able to handle a larger workload.
Set Clear Boundaries
If there is ever a time to stay on top of your schedule, it is now. The most important aspect of balancing work and home life are communicating with your co-workers, manager, family, and friends about the time that you have available and what actually needs to get done, instead of what people want to get done. Learning to say “No” to people will be the best gift that you can give yourself. Maybe you can’t go to that ugly sweater party, but it will allow you to finish that work project so you can go to that family dinner. Understanding your limits and knowing where to best put your time will help you manage a lot of stress, and you shouldn’t feel bad that you can’t be everywhere at once. Spend time on what matters first, so you can relax later.
Work More so You Can Work Less
Most jobs are project-based or have clear deadlines what they need to be accomplished. Putting in the hours at the beginning of the month might allow you to have more flexibility at the end of the month. Working longer hours and setting clear goals about what you need to get done by a specific date can be grueling in the moment, but you will thank yourself when you have more free time to do what you enjoy. This also applies for things that need to be done at home; anything that can be done in the beginning of the month like shopping, decorating or scheduling time with friends and family won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to finish everything at the last second.
The holidays are meant to be enjoyable, so don’t let unrealistic expectations bring you down. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Make your well being a priority and communicate with those around you to try and plan ahead as much as possible. It is rewarding to know that you worked hard all year and that you deserve to take a break. Anything that can relieve stress at your job is worth it, so automating tasks, completing tasks online, and using technology in the most effective way is one way to help you and business this holiday season. Give the gift of a stress-free vacation to yourself.