A lot of it is overload. You're not eating as healthy as you used to. You often have end-of-quarter and end-of-year things to put together with less time and energy, says Debra LeClair, a life coach, psychologist and stress management specialist with Full Spectrum Wellness in Manchester. We tend to use this as a ramp up time when the natural rhythm is to slow down.
Mix in Seasonal Affective Disorder due to diminished daylight, bingeing on rich food, drinking more and staying up later, and it's a recipe for overload. Even feeling badly at the holidays can conjure feelings of guilt, creating, yes, you guessed it, more stress. Holidays can bring up loss or worrying about loss. It sticks out because it's supposed to be a certain way, and when it's not, it hurts, LeClair says, pointing out holidays often bring emotional issues to the forefront, from loneliness to too much togetherness.
For others, weather and snowstorms bring on stress as driving can be challenging and school closings mean finding someplace to bring the kids. Yet another stressor is money, or the lack thereof.
Already feeling your heart quicken? Take a deep breath. There are ways to make the holidays more enjoyable and for companies to help employees be more productive.
Let It Go
Let's face it; something's got to give. LeClair suggests analyzing traditions.
If writing dozens of Christmas cards leaves you panicked, cut the list or skip them all together. Think about what you want most, what makes you happy and what's the highest priority and why. It is okay to cut back and take a year off from certain activities. You can always bring them back the next year. We're concerned about a lack of joy. In reality, we can let go of that [stress] by doing less, she says.
Also, don't be shy about seeking help. It's not the job of one person to make holidays joyous for everyone else. When you take some things off your plate, delegate and let go-like agreeing to draw names for gifts-it's easier to stay in balance, LeClair says. Have a conversation with yourself in the car, with your partner or write down what you want to get out of the holiday season, look at what supports it and what doesn't and get rid of what doesn't support it.
Unfortunately, what people tend to abandon are the very things that help them cope, such as eating healthier or working out. They tend to get squeezed out of the schedule. Make them a priority, LeClair says. You can stop and luxuriate or have a cup of coffee and enjoy your Christmas decorations. Make space to have that down time. Need more tips? LeClair recommends reading Simplifying Your Christmas by Elaine St. James.
Helping Employees
Employers would do well to help workers manage stress, as a stressed out employee is less productive. And next to summer, the holidays tend to be a time when employees are least engaged and productive.
For starters, businesses might reconsider the annual party. Put out a survey to employees about what they would like. They may rather have a lunch than schedule another night out, LeClair says.
Even if it's just for December, LeClair recommends offering flexible scheduling. Promote it as a perk. You may find you will get more out of employees, she says.
While some companies allow employees to take time out of their workday to shop online, LeClair recommends doing so at the end of the day.
Businesses can also bring resources onsite, like chair massages and healthy food. After all, LeClair says, sugar highs lead to afternoon crashes. She suggests holding lunch and learn sessions about simplifying the holidays.
And don't count on holiday stress ending on Jan. 1. Returning to work can be hard. There's holiday letdown. People may be depressed or anxious because they have more bills to pay. Make it easier with casual Monday or a little gathering with healthy food, LeClair says.
Current Issue - May 2024