For most businesses, there are plenty of reasons the holidays bring about more stress. For one, it’s the busiest time of year as consumers prepare for festivities and gift-giving. It also means that those customers have more demands accompanied by time constraints. Put it all together, and you’ve got employees with more stress and anxiety than they know what to do with.
Even with so much happening at once, it’s imperative for businesses to continue their grind and work towards growth. What’s even more important is doing so in a way that promotes your wellbeing and encourages you to be your best self at work.
Let’s look at five ways to relieve stress during the holidays so you avoid pulling your hair out.
1. Plan ahead
The holidays are the most stressful time of year for most businesses. Customers are willing to spend more and make special requests that take time and planning. You also have more time off which gives you less time to complete projects and work tasks, which adds to workplace stress.
Do yourself a favor and plan your workload ahead of time, especially when you know you have more on your plate. You set yourself up for success when you practice time management and know what you have to do to meet deadlines. If you don’t have to worry about where you’ll get the time to get your work done, it’ll make your job a lot easier.
2. Use clear communication
Because the holidays are a busy time for everyone, it’s even more crucial for everyone in the workplace to use clear communication. Mishaps during this time usually render more serious repercussions. There are tighter deadlines to meet and more customers to serve. Without effective communication, it’s challenging for both employers and employees to work together cohesively.
If you need more time for a project or additional time off, let your manager know. For days you’re out of the office, set up an auto-reply feature on your email so those who reach out to you know when you’ll be back. It doesn’t matter what the circumstance is, but what does matter is that you pass on the information so there’s no miscommunication.
3. Practice gratitude
Whether you want to thank the universe for another day on earth or thank your coworker for helping you with the latest project, showing gratitude goes a long way. A simple verbal appreciation, such as saying, “thank you,” shows appreciation for your team and encourages the continuation of their hard work.
According to a Glassdoor study, 81 percent of employees feel motivated to work harder when they receive appreciation for their work. If there’s someone you work with who helped you out or exceeded your expectations, let them know. Whether it’s your boss, colleague, or employee, verbal praise goes a long way and can transform workplace spirits during the holidays.
4. Exercise regularly
When it’s cold and the sun sets early, it can feel difficult to motivate yourself to do everything you planned to. In this case, exercise is an essential practice you must continue to implement in your day-to-day to combat work-related stress. Several studies prove that exercise reduces stress as well as improves mental health and fights disease.
Although you may struggle to exercise regularly during the holidays, make it a priority. Put yourself and your health first and choose to move your body and stay active. It’s easier to give in to the lethargy and say you’ll leave it for another day, but the best thing you can do for your health is exercise at least three times a week.
5. Take time off
Many employees feel a sense of guilt if they use their vacation time or take a sick day to care for their wellbeing. What’s important to understand is that nothing comes before your health, even your job. If you aren’t well in the first place, you can’t possibly perform well at work. It’s vital that you feel up to your tasks so you can do your best work without worrying about its quality.
Your vacation time exists for you to take it. If you need a day off to tend to your mental health, then do it. You can add business hours on your website so customers know when to reach out to you. It’s important that employees stop feeling guilty for taking time off that they deserve. You work hard most days out of the year, so you deserve to also take time for yourself to recoup and rejuvenate. Doing so also encourages a healthy work-life balance.
Conclusion
During the holidays, pay extra attention to your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. For employees and bosses alike, it’s the busiest time of year which induces copious amounts of stress. However, if you’re prepared to deal with the craze, you’ll be able to beat the symptoms and thrive in your work environment.