Staffing & Culture | 12.14.22
3 Tips To Relax & Recharge Around the Holidays
by: BISA Staff
The holiday season is around the corner and you likely plan to take time off. But will you be able to truly take a break? Here are a few simple tips to incorporate that could help you reduce stress and focus on what matters most.
1. Set Yourself (and Your Clients) up for Success
It’s likely your clients are taking time off as well, but to make life easier for you both when you return, incorporate these strategies before signing off:
Give notice on your website
Most people don’t think to do this, but it’s important to highlight your absence as the first thing your site visitors see when jumping onto your page. Add a memo to your website specifying the dates you’ll be absent, along with the date you plan to return.
Plan ahead
Schedule check-in meetings for January to get back on the same page with your clients. It’s important to get ahead on your client activities for the new year, so when the return-to-office rolls around, there won’t be any surprises. Jumpstart your 2023 with a pre-planned schedule for a smooth transition back.
Don’t forget your out-of-office auto-responder
This will alert your email sender that you’ve stepped away for the holiday season. Microsoft Office provides details on how to set them up properly.
2. Exchange Social Media for Offline Activities
Did you know social media can increase burnout? Spending your valuable vacation time scrolling online (and comparing yourself to others) could cause you to feel exhausted, even after a break. Consider deleting your social apps until the new year and instead choose offline activities, like scheduling a game night with family or digging into a book you have your eyes on.
Here are some unique offline activities to try this month:
Do a "brain dump" writing exercise
It’s never a bad time to exercise your brain —- especially when you intend to “shut it off” from work during the holiday break. Take out a piece of paper and a pen, and simply write everything on your mind. This can be a holiday to-do list, whatever is weighing you down or thoughts running through that busy brain of yours. Set a timer for five minutes; you’ll be surprised at how good you will feel after jotting down your thoughts!
Plan a holiday movie night
Settle down with your family and friends and pick out a Christmas movie. Put all phones to the side, gather your comfiest blanket and take a poll on a holiday movie to watch. The holiday season is the best time to take in moments like these and reflect on the year you’ve had together.
Build gingerbread houses
Rather than focusing on structuring your work, put that structure into a solid gingerbread house! This is your time to get creative. Perhaps make it a competition with family or friends to add a fun assignment to your agenda during your time off.
3. Make Time for Wellness Practices
Being surrounded by friends and family around the holidays is great, but don’t forget to prioritize your own health and wellness.
Prioritize physical movement
Plan your schedule with time for a walk, yoga or stretching, whether early in the morning before the house wakes up or during your family’s post-lunch nap. You could even make this into a family activity.
Try a meditation app
Apps such as “Calm” or “Headspace” can be a great resource to clear your mind during this stressful season. Most meditation apps have free features, making it a convenient nightly routine, free of charge.
Incorporate multitasking
If your schedule is tight, try multitasking. Listen to a podcast while cooking a holiday meal or walking the dog, or volunteer to do yard work to escape a crowded house and get in some fresh air and exercise.
Whatever your holiday season looks like, we hope you have a great one. Happy holidays from BISA!