It seems like every November, media outlets across the country turn their attention to the plight of young retail workers forced to slave away during holidays. They talk about the rush of people flying through malls and outlets looking for their perfect gifts, and the best worst day of the year: Black Friday.
So much attention is paid to retail that we often forget that we all also have jobs to do during the holidays, and when you add the stress of finding the perfect present on top of the stress of trying to meet your KPIs before the end of the year, it can be extremely overwhelming. Not to mention we’re now in the height of flu and cold season. One bad bug and you can be out for the count.
For many managers, there’s the added stress of making sure your department is covered even when employees are asking off for the holidays or being sequestered with the latest bug. Sometimes it becomes so much that you start to dread the holidays.
The irony in all of this is that holiday stress increases your work stress, which makes it more difficult for you to do your job and leaves you feeling like there is a truck constantly sitting on your chest.
The holidays are supposed to be a time of fun and family not freakouts. That’s why we’ve compiled three easy tips for you to beat the holiday blues.
Keep Active
The first thing you need to do to fight off the blues is make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Be proactive against those cold and flu bugs. If you can get in front of one main cause of holiday stress, there’s one less thing you need to worry about this holiday season.
Exercise just a little bit every day.
Now this doesn’t mean you need to run a 5K every week, but taking the stairs instead of the elevator or doing some small chair exercises does more good than you probably realize. The goal is to keep your blood flowing and your body moving.
Get your eight hours.
Make sure you’re sleeping enough every night. Shoot for seven or eight hours to help ward off against sickness and give you the energy you need to fight the holiday crowds.
Rid yourself of germs.
Cold and flu season is here, and like it or not, those communal offices managers love so much right now aren’t doing you any favors. Make sure you’re wiping your desks down with disinfectant, using hand sanitizer and maintaining a relatively healthy diet.
Think Positive
Just because it’s cold and wet outside doesn’t mean winter is awful. There’s a magic in the air when snow starts to fall. Watch any kid build a snowman or ride a sled and you’ll see the wonder and excitement all over their face. The best way to beat the holiday humps is to tap into the childlike wonder that comes with the season.
Embrace the peace and quiet.
Don’t be afraid to be by yourself this holiday season. Put on your favorite music or holiday movie and let yourself enjoy a break from the office. If you need to work at home, do it at your own pace, and make sure to take time for yourself
Stay productive.
You don’t have to work at full capacity all the time, but make sure you always have something to do. It’s easy to fall into negativity if you don’t have something to concentrate on.
Be thankful.
The holiday season is a time to be thankful for what we have. Every day, write down something that makes you happy. Make it a point to take five minutes out of your day to reflect on something good that happened or something you’re looking forward to.
Break Your Routine
It’s all too easy to get stuck in ruts during the holiday season. Don’t let yourself get so overwhelmed you fall into a trance. Take one day each week and create a to-do list, then set goals for what you want to accomplish before everyone gets back from their vacations. When you feel yourself sinking into a rut, reorganize your desk. Get your mind off work for 20 minutes and do something that livens up your environment – even if it’s just moving the stapler two feet.
Working during the holidays is difficult, especially if you feel like you’re the only one. Don’t let yourself fall into the habit of feeling sorry for yourself. Remember that this season isn’t out to get you. It’s a time for you to be with the people you care about, encourage those around you and wonder at the magic of the holiday season.
