Written by: Vanessa Werner, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The holiday season is a time for celebration, gratitude, and joy. However, for many individuals immersed in the fast-paced world of business, the festive season can also be synonymous with stress, overindulgence, and neglect of health. Balancing professional commitments with personal well-being is crucial, especially when the year end is approaching fast. Here are 10 tips to help you stay healthy while managing your business responsibilities.
1. Prioritize self-care
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, coupled with year-end business responsibilities, it is easy to overlook self-care. Schedule short breaks for activities like meditation, a walk, or a power nap to manage stress and maintain well-being.
Prioritizing self-care enhances your ability to handle professional challenges and positively engage with others. In a business setting, leaders who prioritize well-being set a positive example, fostering a healthier work culture. Overall, prioritizing self-care during Christmas is a strategic investment with broad benefits for personal satisfaction, professional success, and overall quality of life. See here.
2. Mindful eating at work functions
During business-related holiday gatherings, there is often an array of tempting, calorie-rich treats. Mindful eating emphasizes savoring each bite and being conscious of portion sizes, reducing the likelihood of mindless snacking or overindulgence. Choose healthier options when available and avoid excessive intake of sugary or high-calorie foods. This not only improves the dining experience but also promotes a healthier attitude toward food, prioritizing quality over quantity. By staying present and intentional in your eating habits, you can partake in the festivities without compromising your well-being.
2. Stay active amidst business engagements
Busy business schedules can make regular exercise challenging, but incorporating small, consistent efforts can make a difference. Opt for stairs over elevators, take short walks during breaks, or include quick office exercises. Block specific times for physical activity on your calendar, treating them with the importance of a business meeting for better follow-through. Additionally, consider incorporating "walk & talks" into your routine, especially for reflective discussions. Instead of relying solely on emails, make an effort to visit colleagues in person. Walking meetings not only provide a change of scenery but also contribute to physical activity. You can create a culture of wellness by encouraging colleagues to join in group activities like workouts, step challenges, or walking meetings. This fosters a supportive environment for overall well-being. Prioritize staying active for your health, knowing it doesn't always require a gym or extensive time commitment. By integrating small efforts into your routine, including "walk & talks," you can stay active during the holiday season, benefiting both physical and mental health. See here for 20+ ideas how to incorporate exercise into a busy holiday schedule.
4. Hydration is key
In colder weather and amidst festive beverages, maintaining hydration is crucial for personal well-being and professional performance. Drink plenty of water, especially if you are consuming caffeinated or alcoholic drinks at business events. Both caffeine and alcohol can lead to dehydration, so balance them with water intake.
To make hydration more enjoyable, infuse water with natural flavors like citrus fruits, cucumber, or mint, which can be appealing during holiday gatherings. Dehydration may result in physical symptoms like dry skin and tired eyes, potentially affecting your professional image. Looking and feeling your best boosts confidence and positively influences perceptions in a business context.
Stay hydrated consistently by incorporating these tips into your routine, ensuring optimal well-being throughout the holiday season.
5. Set realistic business goals
Acknowledge that the holiday season may bring about unique challenges in terms of work demands. Establish realistic business goals that strike a balance between productivity and personal time. Effectively communicate with your team to efficiently manage expectations and workloads, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Avoid unrealistic expectations, which can lead to employee frustration and demotivation. Setting achievable business goals maintains morale and contributes to a positive, productive work environment. The holiday season presents certain challenges. Not only do team members take time off, but some may also fall ill during this time of the year. Therefore, it is advisable to establish realistic goals that allow for adaptability, ensuring sustained business success even during periods of reduced capacity.
6. Establish boundaries
As the year concludes, the inclination to finalize work tasks is understandable. However, it's vital to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Designate specific times for work-related tasks and commit to disconnecting during family celebrations.
Setting and respecting boundaries, taking breaks, and unplugging during holiday festivities contribute to a healthier balance between professional and personal responsibilities. Without clear limits, burnout becomes a risk, so defining work hours and commitments is crucial for maintaining sustained productivity. Clear delineation between work and personal time allows individuals to focus on tasks during work hours and fully enjoy personal time without the distraction of work-related concerns.
7. Delegate responsibilities
In a business context, delegation is a valuable skill, especially during busy periods, preventing individuals from feeling overwhelmed by increased demands, see here. This applies not only to professional tasks but also to aspects of holiday preparations, such as decorating or preparing festivities. It also ensures that no single individual is burdened with an excessive workload, promoting a more enjoyable and relaxed holiday experience.
As delegating also promotes a sense of shared responsibility and participation in creating a festive atmosphere, it can be a way to include others in the traditions and celebrations.
8. Cultivate healthy business relationships
The holiday season offers a chance to enhance professional relationships. However, you should distinguish whether it truly brings you joy and furthers your progress, and if not, reduce it to the essentials. Here, too, you can delegate if it feels burdensome.
You do not need to attend all the networking events and engage in meaningful conversations to contribute to overall well-being and make the business landscape more enjoyable. You can delegate to team members to express appreciation to business contacts through personalized holiday greetings, whether through cards, email, or professional social media.
9. Reflect and plan for the new year
As the year ends, take a moment for self-reflection. Evaluate achievements, identify areas for improvement, and set realistic goals for the upcoming year. This well-thought-out plan provides direction and purpose in both personal and professional life. When everything piles up at the end of the year, you can still plan wonderfully after the holidays. This way, you also have a motivating start in the new year.
Understanding what worked well enables adaptation, evolution, and the development of new skills to overcome challenges.
Team communication is vital during reflection and planning. Discussing achievements and future goals fosters camaraderie, encourages open communication, and strengthens team dynamics. Engaging in this practice during the holiday season contributes to a more fulfilling and successful future.
10. Being positive
Although the holiday season can be a wonderful time, it can also be stressful. Practicing gratitude, taking time to relax, and being understanding towards oneself and not being too harsh on others when things don't go smoothly can strengthen relationships and contribute to a more enjoyable and meaningful holiday experience.
Besides, by focusing on positive aspects and taking time to enjoy the present moment, individuals can enhance their overall sense of well-being.
Maintaining a balance between health and business responsibilities during the Christmas season necessitates deliberate actions and a dedication to well-being. By integrating these suggestions into your daily routine, you can gracefully navigate the holiday season, ensuring a seamless integration of professional achievements and personal vitality. Keep in mind that your well-being is an asset, benefiting both your business and your loved ones during this festive time of the year.
During the Christmas season, you don't have to forgo everything. You just need to ensure that you enjoy things in moderation. If you need additional assistance, feel free to take a look at my website and do not hesitate to get in touch with me here. I am always happy to support you in staying healthy and fit during the Christmas season.
Vanessa Werner, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Vanessa Werner is a distinguished leader in the fields of fitness and nutrition, known for her ability to develop strategies that seamlessly align ambitious life goals with her management career. Over the past two decades, she has leveraged her expertise to guide over 200 individuals and leadership teams helping them increase their energy levels, strength, and balance. Her signature program, "Feel Your Power", empowers purpose-driven leaders to discover their body as a beautiful powerhouse, creating a solid foundation for their authentic and contemporary approach to (self) leadership. Vanessa resides in Germany and southern France with her husband, dogs and horses, living her career and life to the fullest.
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