How to get a better work life balance this festive season
‘Tis the season to be jolly,’ but not if you’re busy juggling a hectic work life this month, whilst trying to balance family, friends and all the other festive commitments in the run up to Christmas.
First and foremost it’s important to highlight the fact that for many of us this is the busiest time of the year, so it can be very difficult to have it all and remain cheerful at the same time. It’s okay to admit that you’re feeling stressed, worried you won’t keep on top of it all, or worse still just want to hide under the duvet until early January.
Plan and prepare
To get through it with your sense of humour intact and without inflicting undue harm to yourself or others around you, I’d encourage you to do some much needed planning and preparation, and try to be kind to yourself too. After all if you go for it at full speed, sticking to some rigid, and frankly undoable schedule that you’ve set for yourself, and refusing any help or support, you will probably spend Christmas day burnt out and feeling resentful.
Navigate for success
To help you through the next few weeks, here are some takeaway tips on how you can best navigate the festive season. Remember self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential if you want to enjoy the best mental health and achieve a good work life festive balance.
1. Know your limits and be realistic. Good is ok - not everything needs to be perfect. Appreciate that not everything is possible, and accept what cannot be done in time.
2. Plan ahead. Get projects finished, or at least done to a level you are happy with so you won’t need to worry about them when you’re not working.
3. Use technology where possible to schedule things to happen in your absence, or simply remember to set your out of office stating quite clearly that you are on holiday, are not contactable and give details of when you’re back.
4. Christmas is about both giving and receiving – so remember to ask for help. No one expects you to do everything – that’s just a recipe for disaster. If there are tasks that can be easily delegated, do it and if there are areas where other people can contribute, then let them.
5. Lower your expectations. Don’t stretch yourself financially, physically or emotionally in an attempt to make this Christmas the best yet. Inevitably when you set such high expectations, you often find yourself disappointed.
6. Just say no. A this time of year, we often say yes to too many things and then end up not really wanting to do them. Try to prioritise what truly matters and don’t feel guilty for skipping events that don’t make you happy, or not catching up with friends or family who don’t make your heart skip with joy!
7. As we say goodbye to the year, take a moment to appreciate your journey. Reflect on what you have, your achievements and celebrate your successes to remind yourself about how much you have grown/developed, and of course progressed. If you want, and have time to set some goals for the new year, then do.
8. Disconnect to reconnect. Try to disconnect from your thoughts, social media, and your phone, and reconnect with your body and mind. Essentially spend more time being than doing.
9. Take time off. A few days off might be all that you can get, or you might be luckier and have a week or longer. Regardless of the length of your break, make sure that you have some time off so that you can recharge your batteries. This will help you return in the new year feeling re-energised and ready to take on any challenges thrown your way.
10. Spend time with people you care for, whether that’s in your professional or personal life. Remember the importance of relaxation, laughter, sharing and the ability to just enjoy yourself.
11. Get outside. Fresh air and exercise can often put a completely different spin on things. Going for a walk is one of the best ways of reducing stress levels as it has a calming effect and can also give you an opportunity for some much needed space, a chance to reestablish boundaries and refocus.
12. Ditch the guilt. Don’t think about how clean or tidy your house is, whether you should have eaten the calorie-laden dessert, if the presents were perfect, or beat yourself up about the short cuts that have made your Christmas a bit less hectic and stressful. Instead just embrace things and go with it.
Just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t mean that the regular demands of work and home go away. It can be a hard and stressful time. But how you approach this time of year is important. It’s essential that you plan and prepare and are able to let go, albeit for only a few days, so that you can embrace the magic of the season - which is above everything else a time for love, gratitude, relaxation, celebration and togetherness. Happy Christmas to you all and best wishes for a wonderful 2024.