The holiday season is upon us, and as you try to juggle shopping, planning, parties, traveling and work, there’s a good chance you will lose focus and momentum in the office. Not only is it hard to fit everything in, but the stress of getting it all done in a timely manner can take a toll on your mental state of mind. Personal stress often affects our work performance and can diminish our productivity. We start out the year strong with great energy and intention only to lose our mojo at the end of the year when we need it most. We limp to the finish line instead of running through it. How do we stay balanced both mentally and physically this holiday season? These few tips will help to keep you motivated and prepared to end the year strong.
Have a Game Plan
There is much to do and so little time to do it. If you take the time to plan your day, you will get so much more accomplished. Think about what it is you want to get accomplished today. Get your tasks and projects, both personal and professional, onto paper and out of your head. Once you see all your commitments and want-to-do’s, prioritize and decide which to drop and which could wait until the New Year. You know the old saying “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
Focus – Don’t Multitask
Try to avoid working on personal and work-related tasks at the same time. Shopping online while listening in on a conference call could be disastrous. I once knew a guy who fell in his backyard swimming pool while on a conference call because he wasn’t paying attention. While at the office, don’t try to cram in shopping at lunch or buy gifts online. At work, focus on work. You can take on the holiday chores during your personal time. It will also free you up from trying to do too many things at once. If there is downtime use that for planning for a productive 2015. The trick is to forget about “seasons” and focus on “today.” Is today a holiday? If not, behave as you would in September. Follow that procedure every day you work. On actual holidays or vacation days, forget about work and have fun.
Don’t Procrastinate
Start working on year-end projects and personal tasks now. Start your holiday shopping earlier than you have in the past, and get a head start on any upcoming projects at work. This way, when you’re busy with office parties and planning family gatherings later this month, you’ll have fewer to-do items on your plate.
Take Care of Yourself
Exercise more, not less, even if it’s just a walk around the block. Sleep more, not less, just thirty minutes more a night can make a big difference. And watch what you eat and drink – the increase in sugary foods and alcoholic beverages will impact you the next day at work, both mentally and physically!
We hope these tips will help make your holiday season less stressful and more enjoyable. Happy Holidays from Bild and Company!
