Festive season reflections for you .... For most workplaces, it has been another full on year with all the joys and challenges a year can hold. With the end of the year fast approaching, festivities are kicking off and tiredness is setting in! Some people totally agree with the song ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’. For others it is a non-event, and for some it’s a particularly difficult time. Most often it’s a mix. What is most important about Christmas or the holiday season for you? Remember YOUR reason for the season – what is significant for you might be different from other people (or what the advertising companies will tell you!). If Christmas isn’t significant for you at all, that’s okay too! Festive season reflections ► Who would you most like to spend time with over this Christmas/holiday period? o Who do you love spending time with that you don’t get to see often? How can you make this happen? o Who brings out the best in you? Try to surround yourself with these people as much as possible! o Who do you know that might need a friend/some company over the next while? How could you include them in what you’re doing? ► What traditions do you want to start, continue or stop for yourself or your family this year? ► What did you love or enjoy about last year’s Christmas and summer holidays that you want to do again this year? What did you miss out on or regret doing/not doing that you can include or exclude this year? ► How much money can you afford to spend these holidays? Set a realistic budget and get creative with how you do gifts, social events and holiday adventures so that you stick to it. Avoid relying on credit cards and loans – it’s not worth going into debt! Your time is more valuable than your money J ► What support might you need over the next while? It’s so normal to experience lots of different feelings and dynamics over this time, so think about what practical help and emotional support you might need and ask people you trust. ► What invitations/events / opportunities could you say no to that aren’t of interest or are just one too many in a short space of time? It’s okay to say no, or to set your own limits around what you can manage. ► What invitations/events/ opportunities could you say yes to that might be out of your comfort zone, but you’d enjoy when you’re there? New people or new experiences? ► What would it look like for you to get a good rest these holidays? Physically and mentally. ► How could you spread some kindness to others? Little things can make a massive difference, like encouraging words, offering to help someone, sharing stuff and including people, volunteering, etc. Doesn’t have to cost a thing! If you are working through: ► What is most meaningful to you about this time of year and how could you find ways to express that inside and outside of your time at work? ► How could your usual celebrations/traditions be rearranged so that you can join in or still participate in some way? ► What planning could you do now for a future holiday/break that gives you something to look forward to? ► What can you put in place to look after your own wellbeing and get good rest while balancing work and events ? Julie and Mark and the EAPworks' Team would like to wish you a restorative festive season and a safe happy holiday ! We look forward to being of support to you and your workplace in 2019. Remember EAPworks is available on 0800 SELFHELP 0800 735 343 |