The holidays are a time for joy, family, and…uncontrollable stress? For working women, the festive season can often feel like a juggling act – managing work deadlines, shopping sprees, family gatherings, and self-care, all while maintaining a semblance of sanity. But fear not, wonder women! Here are some tips to navigate the holiday hustle and emerge victorious (and hopefully rested!).
Planning is Your Best Friend:
- Schedule Strategically: Before the holiday madness hits, talk to your manager and colleagues about potential project deadlines and workloads. Can you delegate tasks? Can you adjust deadlines slightly? Proactive planning can avoid last-minute scrambles.
- Create a Holiday To-Do List: Lists are magical! Make a comprehensive list of everything you need to do – gift shopping, grocery shopping, travel arrangements, party planning, etc. Prioritize tasks and delegate where possible.
- Embrace Technology: Utilize online shopping, grocery delivery services, and meal prep services to save precious time and minimize errands.
Boundaries are Essential:
- Learn to Say No: You don’t have to attend every party or social gathering. It’s okay to prioritize your well-being and decline invitations politely. Protect your personal time fiercely!
- Communicate with Family: Set realistic expectations with family members about your availability during the holidays. Discuss gift-giving limits or alternative traditions that fit your schedule and budget.
Self-Care is Non-Negotiable:
- Schedule “Me Time”: Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, carve out time for activities you enjoy – reading, taking a relaxing bath, spending time in nature. Prioritize your mental and physical well-being.
- Healthy Habits are Key: Don’t let holiday indulgence derail your healthy habits. Maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and stay active. A healthy body is a happy (and less stressed) body.
Embrace the Power of Delegation:
- Share the Load: Don’t be a one-woman show! Involve your partner, family members, or friends in decorating, cooking, and other holiday tasks.
- Ask for Help at Work: Don’t be afraid to ask a colleague for assistance with a project or delegate some of your workload if possible.
Remember, the Holidays are About Togetherness:
- Focus on Quality Time: While elaborate gatherings are fun, sometimes the most meaningful moments are spent with loved ones doing simple things – playing games, having heartfelt conversations, or enjoying a cozy movie night.
- Embrace New Traditions: Don’t feel pressured to stick to rigid traditions. Create new traditions that fit your current lifestyle and bring joy to your family.
**The holidays can be a whirlwind, but with these tips and a positive attitude, working women can navigate the season with grace and a healthy dose of holiday cheer! Remember, it’s not about achieving holiday perfection, but about creating joyful memories and spending quality time with loved ones.
Do you have any time-saving tips or holiday hacks for working women? Share them in the comments below!
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
