Month: December 2016

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How to Stay Focused at Work During the Holidays

When we think of the holidays, the last things we want to think about are the last-minute tasks and day-to-day work that must be completed leading up to them. With so much distraction, it’s hard to stay focused during these joyful months of the year. Here are some tips to keep you concentrated:

  1. Avoid distraction. The temptation to procrastinate can be even greater this time of year. An email from your favorite department store may pop up with a flash sale, or you might want to check out the prices of available flights for Christmas. It may seem harmless to take a break from work to focus on more pleasurable things, but this can have a massive impact on your overall performance.
  1. Focus on the right projects. The holidays are a great time to work on self-guided projects. If your office is a little slow, you may have the opportunity to research without worrying if anyone will ask you to pop into a meeting or answer an email ASAP. It’s easier to focus on these sorts of big-picture, long-term tasks when you know you’ll have the time you need to really dig in.
  1. Be thoughtful of your off hours as well. Another key to staying focused at work is trying to isolate your office tasks to office hours. One of the best ways to avoid distractions is to make sure you’re allowing yourself time to shop, plan, and do whatever else you need to do outside of the office.
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A Very Healthy Holiday

While the holidays are meant to be a time for celebration with family and friends, they can also take a toll on our physical and mental wellbeing. From experience, however, there are a few ways in which we can truly enjoy the holiday season and wind up healthier and happier than in years past. Here are simple steps to ensure your holiday season is merry and bright:

  1. Eat healthy. With sweet treats everywhere you look, it is easy to pack on the pounds during this time of year. To prevent the extra five to 10 extra pounds this season, be aware of the caloric content in the foods and the liquids you are consuming, and opt for bringing a healthy dish to your holiday party. Don’t deprive yourself, though — remember everything in moderation.
  2. Increase activity. While the weather makes it tempting to curl up in a blanket and stay inside, make sure you are getting aerobic activity at least four to five times per week.
  3. De-stress. There can be a lot of financial stress with gift-buying in addition to work and outside obligations. Develop a plan for when these stressors arise and be sure to set aside time for you.
  4. Embrace the spirit of giving. With the holidays, there are countless opportunities to give back to the community. Whether it is volunteering at a local soup kitchen or donating presents to the less fortunate, volunteer your time and support those in need.

So instead of waiting for the New Year’s resolutions to begin after the parties and festivities, let’s vow to take small steps to a more enjoyable and healthier holiday season right now.

-Penny