health affiliates maine - holiday stress
TRANSCRIPT
Mary A. Gagnon, LMFT
Health Affiliates Maine
Holiday Stress: When the Holidays
Aren’t So Merry
Ah, the holidays…
Great ExpectationsHolidays are supposed to be:
•Meaningful…•Magical…•Full of promise and hope…•Sacred…•Joyful…•Fun…
What’s so different about the holidays? Don’t we want this every day?
Great ExpectationsWe place lots of expectations on a season, like the holidays, and we are often let down when our celebrations don’t meet our expectations.
Whether it’s because the kids are crying in the family photo, or relatives refuse to talk to each other, or we just can’t get ourselves into the “holiday spirit,” we set ourselves up when we expect too much.
LossThe loss of a loved one is especially felt during the holidays, when the emphasis is on family togetherness.
Loss of family members because of divorce or a move can mean a change in family traditions, which often highlights the loss.
Stress and Mental Health
Stress and Mental Health• We have stress year-round, but
stress tends to be heightened during the holidays. • When our nerves are frazzled, it’s more
difficult to remember to take care of ourselves.
• Mental health concerns, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or PTSD, can be exacerbated.
Too Much and Not Enough We have too much food, drink, spending, or activities and not enough rest, exercise, and routine.
And on top of all this, we have to work…
Fa-la-la-la-ughEmployees:•Might take on more work during the holidays to pay for everything
•Might be afraid that holidays will be interrupted by work (called into work or have to bring work home)
• In one study, 50% had their holidays interrupted, and 37% more than once!
•Many are thinking about work during the holidays
Prep Your Business• Reflect on the state of your business in prior
holiday seasons.
• Create a plan. Perhaps allow for flextime, allow for a change in attendance, or consider putting attendance incentives in place.
• Focus employee resources. People are more productive when they have fewer projects. Can some projects be delayed until after the holidays?
• Find a healthy balance between holiday work and play. Manage the frequency of holiday celebrations in the workplace. While they can boost morale, too many festivities can distract from work and exacerbate holiday burnout.
Keep Productivity and Morale Up
Morale can suffer. What can employers do?
•Use the season to your advantage. Incorporate activities into your office environment.
•Create friendly office competitions that encourage teamwork. A good way to maintain productivity is to create fun competitions focused on workplace behavior.
•Encourage downtime to recharge. A little relaxation can go a long way, especially during the holiday season when employees experience new sources of stress.
Employees tend to be around a 1/3rd less productive during the holidays.
Keep Productivity and Morale Up• Acknowledge the holidays & be up front
about how your business will handle them. Let your team know about policies on time off, flextime, etc...
• Provide a few special perks. Consider offering your team a few hours away from the office to finish holiday errands. Bring in some healthy snacks. These gestures show that you care and appreciate your staff, providing motivation to work harder in return.
• Celebrate as a team & build camaraderie. Consider hosting a holiday breakfast or lunch during the workday instead of an after-hours party. This can help to keep the celebration inclusive of all holidays that are recognized at this time of year.
What Can You Do? Acknowledge your feelings and give
yourself a break.
Stick with your routine as much as possible.
Think about what you really want from your holiday, and find an activity to make that happen.
Understand that old problems don't just go away. Balance your needs with your family’s needs.
What Can You Do? Don’t overdo it
(and forgive yourself if you do).
Keep it simple.
Stay within your means.
Set realistic goals.
Ask for help.
Relax!
Thank you!For more information, for other trainings we can bring to your
business, or for mental health services, please contact:
Mary Gagnon, LMFT
Health Affiliates Maine
207-333-3278
If you need help…We can help!
Call 1-877-888-4304