Handling Workplace Stress in The Busy Festive Season

​For some people, Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year and they can’t wait to put up that Christmas tree in the office foyer and wear a Santa hat to the office. But for a large percentage of the population, the holiday season can also be a source of stress and pressure that can impact your health and productivity in a major way.
There has been lots of research completed over the last few decades that has highlighted the festive season can cause a spike in depression, anxiety and stress. This is as people struggle to juggle the responsibilities of family life and end of year work pressure.
It is no secret that you start to feel more work-related pressure during December. There are lots of things that cause it - how to balance holiday events and work obligations, an increased workload with the pressing end of year deadline, and fewer people on deck to help out.
So what can you do about it?

​Whether your business is gearing up for the festive season or trying to wrap things up for some well-earned downtime, a happy employee is a productive employee. So here are a few ways to stave off workplace stress over the holidays.
 
Handling Workplace Stress in The Busy Festive Season
Be Organized
Keeping on top of things is one of the key ways to cruise through the busy season without losing your cool. Make sure you know the deadlines for important tasks so that you aren’t rushing at the last minute. Figure out who is taking time off and when they are away to ensure there are enough people to manage the workload.
Then for everything else, prioritize your team’s tasks and work to a schedule. Lists, calendars and task management software are invaluable at this time of year, as is learning the art of delegating.
 
Take Breaks
When you sit down to look at your tasks for the day, make sure you also schedule breaks into your plan. Although it may be tempting to power through and get as much work done as possible, this mindset is counterproductive. You will find yourself more stressed and far less productive.
Research shows that even micro breaks can help refresh the mind and boost performance. Take your lunch break away from your workspace, go for a walk around the block, and don't take work home with you at the end of the day. 
 
Look After Your Health
Pushing your mind and body too far during the busy season is a recipe for disaster. With family commitments, more traffic, packed shops and a heavier workload, it is important to prioritize your health.
Workplace stress can lead to fatigue, muscle pain, headaches and more. A workplace massage is the perfect way to revitalize your body and head back to the desk feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. If your team needs an energy boost in this busy festive season, then get in touch with us here at Bodyworkz. We bring everything we need to offer a complete onsite chair massage treatment at your workplace.
On top of the massage, don’t forget to eat often and well. Also, drink plenty of water to keep the brain functioning, and shake off that nervous tension with regular exercise.
 
Have Fun
It may sound cliché, but laughter truly is the best medicine. Try not to take things too seriously. Inject some humor and fun into your workplace whenever you can. Smiles are contagious and free. Bringing a positive attitude with you into the office can change the entire dynamic of the team. Wear the ugliest sweater you can find to work, have a competition for the tackiest gift, or play “Grandma got run over by a reindeer” on the office sound system.
 
Christmas -- love or hate it, it is heading your way, so best put your best foot forward and take care of yourself and your team to make sure everybody hits the New Year with a smile on their face.