Ah, what a joy the holiday season is! A time of year filled with nothing but relaxing times with family and friends, a warm fire to calm the nerves and not a single care in the world.
Okay, back to reality. Unfortunately, time does not stand still, even when there’s so much to celebrate. Work responsibilities have a sneaky way of creeping into our holiday festivities, upping stress levels higher than that snow stacking up in the drive way.
It’s time to take back holiday! Here are a few ways to make sure you find that perfect work-life balance this year:
Set Your Schedule Early
If you’re clear upfront about your obligations, at work and at home, it makes it easier for you and those around you to set reasonable expectations. Post important dates to your work calendar as soon as possible, and reach out to family and friends in a way that works best for them to keep everyone in the loop. Don’t forget to schedule time to relax (seriously!)
Get Flexible with Routine
Human beings are creatures of habit. Get to work at the same time, eat lunch with the same, commute back home the same way – we could probably stroll through a typical day at the office blind folded! With so much going on this time of year, that dependable routine might start to get shaken up. Don’t let it fluster you! Embrace the variety and let your daily routine be a little flexible.
Stick to One Thing at a Time, and Do It Fully
How many times have you tried to have a conversation with someone, only to have them check an email on their phone? Or how about trying to get a project done when your coworker is busy browsing gifts online? Multitasking has its benefits, but when it comes to finding a happy work-life balance, its important to learn to separate work and home entirely during this big moments. Turn off that phone during your time off and be totally invested in your work in the office. By focusing on being in the moment in every setting, you can be sure that you’re giving your relationships and your professional concerns the attention they deserve.
Take Care of Yourself
R-E-L-A-X. This doesn’t mean replying to emails during your soothing bath or making a quick business call on the way to the ice rink; the relaxation I’m talking about is fully focused on your wellbeing. Codl and flu season is here, and that’s the last thing you need in the middle of this busy time. Schedule time that’s entirely devoted to making a happier, healthier you!
Be Happy
With all of the stress floating around, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s really important. Always remember to take more than a moment to enjoy the events you’ve spent such a long time planning and the people you’ve chosen to share them with.
We’d all like to live in a Norman Rockwell where the holidays are simply perfect, frozen in time. In reality, life is a whole lot messier. By taking small steps, you can ensure that you find the right work-life balance this season to spread to joy at home and at work. Do you have tips for surviving this holiday season? Share your thoughts below!
The Greatest Gift of All: Finding Work-Life Balance this Holiday Season
