Another Look at the Holiday Paradox in Workplaces (Opinion)

'Tis the season for holiday cheer. The Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah celebrations are on the horizon of the workforce. By now, work-spaces are decked with winter season holiday decor. At the same time, there are fellow co-workers who don't engage in conventional or traditional holiday cheer; let alone are in the merriest of moods. Last year I published an article, weighing in on whether or not its reasonable to assess the Holiday Paradox's polarizing impact on how our work colleagues deal with this time of the year.

I argued that particularly during this time of the year, there are challenging issues, for example: work-life balance, new years resolutions,and personal finances, which if not handled with delicacy, can potentially become overwhelming, and usher in all things related to the Holiday Paradox. What practices are in place in your work environment to counter such issues?

American Heart Association (see full article at AHA) suggests five excellent tips to handling stress associated with the Holiday Paradox:

1. Keep up healthy habits.

Make a pact with yourself during the holidays. For example: “For the next three weeks I will move more and do something active everyday.

Special holiday events often serve up extra helpings of less-than-healthy foods. If you’re a guest, eat a healthy snack before you go to avoid overdoing it at the event. If you’re the host, challenge yourself to offer some delicious and healthier options.

3. Stay active — even in the hustle and bustle of the season.

A full holiday social calendar might lead to some missed workouts. Instead of beating yourself up about it, sprinkle some healthy activities into your daily routine. For example, if the weather isn’t too frightful, ride your bike to work or school. If you have the kids who are home for winter recess, squeeze in some active chores and trips to the park.

4. But not too active.

Give yourself the gift of peace. When the invitations pile up, don’t be afraid to say no to some of them. If you need some down time to recharge for the next big party, declare a me-treat and do something that relaxes you.

5. Make a plan for the new year.

It’s a great time to reset for the new year — but don’t go dashing through your to-do list too fast or you might not stick to your plan. Lay out realistic, sustainable steps for the months ahead. For example, start a daily walking routine and sign up for your local Heart Walk before you set your sights on that marathon!

Speaking of setting sights on the new year, Max Garcia Amazon #1 Best Selling Author, and fellow Marine Veteran, offered practical solutions for the new year. Check out his LinkedIn post here: 2020vision . What other solutions are out there? Please, share them with us.

In closing, the winter holiday season is a polarizing time of the year in work-spaces. It will simultaneously usher numerous reasons to be jolly and miserable for your co-workers (perhaps you as well). As we bring ’19 to a celebratory close, and set our sights on a more clearer future, in '20, how will you handle the Holiday Paradox in your work places? Happy Holidays everyone!