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Don’t Let Holiday Stress Get You Down

A full-time work schedule may be stressful enough all by itself, but add to that the time suck of holiday shopping, attending parties with co-workers, and gift wrapping before the Dec. 25 deadline. All of these stressors may be a recipe for disaster, but some local workplaces are doing their part to reduce holiday stress.

Gary Brooks, owner of Barley and Hops Grill & Microbrewery, brought in licensed massage therapist Scott Rosenfeld to give both employees and customers seated chair massages during the lunch rush last week.

“Massage therapy has been found to decrease stress via relief of muscular tension, increased blood and lymph circulation, decreased blood pressure and a release of endorphins into the bloodstream. Seated massage is done over the clothes, without the use of oils or creams, typically addresses the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands, and is usually between 10 and 20 minutes in duration,” explained Rosenfeld.

Dana Marlowe, principal partner with Accessibility Partners, LLC in Montgomery County, explained that even at-home workers get stressed during the holidays. Marlowe, who works out of her home with another employee, sometimes takes a small exercise break during the day to help relieve tension.

“Even if it's just for a couple of minutes, we'll stretch out in my basement and do impromptu crunches and jumping jacks to distract us,” said Marlowe.

Marlowe also offered another stress-buster technique. “I love looking online for fun toys for my 2-year-old son. There's nothing better to de-stress than seeing what fun kids’ toys are out. Thinking about playing with my son later, after the work day is over, really puts me in a good mood and helps motivate me to work even more.”

Here are some additional tips and tricks for managing holiday stress:

  1. Your calendar is your friend. Make sure you’re allowing enough hours in the day to complete required work assignments and building in some “down time” in the evenings and on weekends during the holiday season. Everyone needs some relaxation time, especially during the holidays!
  2. It’s OK to say no. Don’t feel compelled to accept every holiday party invitation that you receive. Try to attend events hosted by key clients, close friends and family. The party hosts will understand if you have to decline their invitation.
  3. Plan ahead. Break larger tasks, such as gift wrapping, into smaller, more manageable blocks of time. For example, if you have 10 gifts to wrap, complete two per night for five nights. For holiday food preparation, pick recipes that can be prepped or fully made a few nights in advance of the event to help accommodate your schedule.

What holiday stress-busters do you use to keep your sanity during December? Share your ideas below!

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