The holidays are undoubtedly a busy time for all. Whether prepping for family gatherings at home, or putting in extra hours at the office in preparation for vacation, it’s likely that we could all benefit from some tips on coping with stress. Consider these simple tricks to reduce stress and increase productivity – both around the holidays, and throughout the year:
- Lists. Never underestimate the power of a to-do list. Oftentimes, much of the stress that we encounter stems from simply trying to remember the lengthy list of tasks that we must complete. Taking a few minutes to write down what you’ll need to accomplish for the day (or even the week) eliminates the pressure of relying on that not-so-trustworthy memory. Plus, crossing items off of the list after they’ve been completed is a great way to visualize all that you’ve already accomplished. (After all, who doesn’t live for the satisfaction of crossing these things off?)
- Take time to recharge. Whether you’ve been buried in a mile-high stack of paperwork for weeks, or are working tirelessly to meet client needs before the holidays, it’s crucial to give your mind and body a chance to recuperate. While we often tell ourselves that working vigorous hours is the only way to accomplish all that needs to be done, we forget that this requires a healthy and productive mind and body. Aim to set aside a few windows of time for yourself throughout the week to do as you wish – curl up with a book, binge-watch your favorite reality television show, or catch up on some shuteye. Committing to this “me” time (and having it to look forward to during a crazy day at the office) is sure to do wonders for eliminating stress and increasing productivity.
- Don’t be afraid to switch things up. In times of stress, it’s common to assume that breaking out of a normal routine will only add to the chaos. However, a minor change here and there may be just what you need to boost productivity. Perhaps you have a specific order in which you complete daily tasks, or a certain coffee shop that you frequent to catch up on work and emails. These small choices add up to become your daily routine – but do you really know that it’s the best routine? It’s likely that making occasional small changes may unveil more productive ways of getting things done, while also reducing your stress in the process.
We encourage you to try out these simple tips, and let us know how they work for you. Feel free to share some of your own favorite tips, too!