The holiday season is a wonderful time of the year! It is a favorite time of the year for many as they gather to celebrate with family and friends. However, it can also be a very conflicted season, bringing along its share of stress...we have all been there. With special events to mark on the calendar, celebratory meals to prepare, and gifts to buy, it is easy to be overwhelmed. There are ways, though, to take a step back and ensure that your time is being spent wisely so that you can truly put your energy where it matters most to you. These practical strategies are good both for individuals as they look at their personal commitments as well as business leaders as they focus on this stressful time of the year.
Some business leaders point to this time of the year as absolutely the most stressful time for them personally. They are trying to finish the year strong, achieve year-end numbers, drive shareholder encouragement with the stock price, and have increased activity with their team members. And those team members are often distracted from their work because of all of the personal commitments and holiday events they have going on outside of work.
When you are experiencing stress like this, sometimes you have to create margin between yourself and the stress. There are various ways you can do this. One of the easiest ways is to simply take a walk outside. Some people spend 93% of their lives indoors - in an artificial environment. So it is healthy to take a walk outside and breathe deeply. This form of reenergizing can help you in your family engagements and help you be a better business leader as you engage with your business and your team members. Another thing you can do is create separation from technology. This can be as simple as leaving your phone at the door when you are with others so that you can focus on the family and friends with whom you are visiting or the business task you are trying to accomplish. This allows you to create room for rest and joy as you connect with others.
It is important to be engaged with others at the level you need to be. However, it is also important to set boundaries as you try to eliminate things that contribute to excessive pressure. Make time for yourself and for your friends, connecting with others on a level that brings you life and joy. If there are commitments that do not provide joy for you, give yourself a break and set those aside. It is okay to skip obligatory events if they do not add to your life in a special way. You do not have to create the perfect holiday experience. That may mean reexamining the gifts you purchase and give. It could also mean that, instead of the pressure of cooking a special meal, you decide to go out to eat instead. Remember that times change, and with that, sometimes traditions need to change. It is okay to shift your sense of obligation to more appropriate actions in different seasons of life. Giving yourself permission to remove yourself from some of the pressures of the season will allow you to have more energy for the activities you enjoy. It will also give you more time to spend with those you care deeply about, making those times quality times.
There are various ways to cut down on the stress of the season - the important thing to remember is to give yourself permission to question your involvement in things that do not bring joy to your heart. Take the time to truly enjoy the season by focusing on what matters most to you!
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