Welcome to our second installment of Health Matters, part of the expanded Sustainability goals for businesses and communities.
2023 is drawing to a close, and many workplaces enjoy a slowed pace and time off for holidays. So why are so many of us experiencing increased stress during what is “supposed” to be a period of joy and reflection?
Holidays
Regardless of which holidays you celebrate, there are often events, gifts, meals, and other traditions that require preparation, money, and time. Do you approach this time of year with excitement or dread? Have you taken the time to consider what aspects of the holiday season are difficult for you and which ones you enjoy? The next time you’re faced with a holiday-related task or event that feels more like a burden than a joy, consider what part doesn’t work for you and what the potential outcome may be for not participating. Perhaps it is time to alter how you approach the holidays and determine what changes you need to make moving forward to really enjoy the parts that are inherently rewarding to you.
Family
Most families have traditions of gathering together during the holiday season. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, many of us see more of our extended families than any other time of the year. Depending on your family size and dynamics, these gatherings may be the highlight of the year or they may self-implode. For introverts, simply being in a room full of people for any amount of time can be exhausting. (Ask how I know.) If the thought of family events leaves you dreading this time of year, plan ahead to minimize your exposure. Create new traditions for yourself or your immediate family that highlight the parts of spending time together that work for you.
Travel
Even if the cost of travel isn’t an issue and you’re headed somewhere you can’t wait to be, the actual travel during the busy holiday season can be a drag. Whether you’re taking trains, planes, or automobiles, plan on unexpected delays. Long lines at the airport, missed flights, accidents, construction, weather disruptiions…So many variables can impact our ability to make it from Point A to Point B according to schedule. Leave early, take it slowly, allow for delays, pack snacks, have emergency preparedness plans, and remember to laugh when you feel like screaming.
Finances
Consumerism has reached dizzying heights. And the holidays don’t do gift buyers any favors. While there may be some amazing sales on items you’ve been wanting or needing, if you find yourself buying gifts to simply check a box, then it may be time to take a hard look at your approach to gifting. Are you one of those people who plans and budgets all year for holiday gift buying and sticks to the plan? Congratulations! You’re in the minority. Credit card spending habits have most American families reeling in debt. Consider your approach to spending and what role expensive holiday gift traditions serve in your financial soundness. The stress of financial problems that will long outlast the ball drop on New Year’s Eve might not be worth it in the long run.
Managing Expectations
Learning to manage expectations, both your own and those of the family and friends you spend year end holidays with, can be liberating. Speak up. Discuss what is meaningful to you and how you wish to celebrate. If you can’t afford to buy gifts this year, let people know in advance. Who knows…it may be a huge relief to them as well to stop the gift giving tradition. Think you can only tolerate your loud uncle for one holiday? Figure out which one you’ll spend with the extended family and make alternate plans for the other special days. Suffering your way through the holidays instead of finding ways to feed your soul isn’t doing anyone any favors. Be willing to do some objective self-investigation into what parts of the year end are fulfilling to you and which parts need to be changed. Then have the courage to make some changes. Your future self thanks you.
Happy New Year
Above all, we wish you a safe and happy end to 2023 and a bright new beginning to 2024! The health and happiness of our staff, their families, and everyone our business impacts is of the utmost importance to us. Without health (including mental health), we have nothing. Learning to listen to ourselves and take action as needed to ensure we minimize stress and maximize joy in our lives serves everyone best in the long run.
As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our staff, Orbital PM participates in an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) that provides assistance any time it is needed.
Your Health Matters
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