The holidays are something we all look forward to each year. While it’s a joy to be around family and eat delicious food, this time of year can be stressful for many people.
Many people struggle with grief this time of year, having loss loved ones, while others face financial challenges. In these cases, it’s so important that we remember where our help comes from, and that we turn to him for comfort and provision. Psalm 121:1-2 says,
“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.”
Another cause of stress during the Holiday season is falling behind at work. A few days off and you get back to 96 emails or an unfinished project. Here are a few tips to help you head into the Holiday breaks stress free:
At Work
1. Aim to complete all projects before the break.
2. Ask your boss for a schedule of what’s ahead. Based on your bosses response, create a plan for what you will work on once you return from the break, that way you aren’t overwhelmed.
3. Clear out your inbox and respond to unread emails.
4. Delegate tasks to other team members (with approval if needed) if you are inundated with work.
5. Clean off your desk and organize it. File any stranded papers away.
6. While on holiday vacation, answer work emails and texts sparingly. If it is not an emergency, it can wait till after the family dinner.
At Home
7. Get as much housework done as possible (with the help of your spouse if applicable).
8. Plan meals and shop for the week after (when the leftovers are all gone).
9. Practice de-stressing activities such as exercise, reading and other forms of relaxation.
The last thing you want to be worried about when out of town for Thanksgiving or spending time with family for Christmas is unfinished projects at work or uncompleted tasks at home. Plan ahead so that you are able to focus on family and enjoy the time together.
It’s hard to come by experienced people for this subject, however, you sound like you know what
you’re talking about! Thanks