For many, December is a month of holiday celebrations, parties, and time off work. For others, however, December can mean longer hours, shorter deadlines, and heavier workload. This is often the case because of year-end deadlines , or staff being away on holidays which means fewer hands on deck. Additionally, December can carry an emotional weight for some people, with staff parties, family get-togethers, and other obligations that may feel overwhelming. There are, however, some ways that you can find some balance in your life this month.
First off, try naming the stress you are feeling in your life. Be as specific as possible. If it is stress from work, what aspect of work is it? Upcoming deadline? Feeling underappreciated? Working extra hours? The more specific you can be with what is going on in your life, the more effective the response can be. When you feel generally stressed or anxious without specifically knowing why or where it is coming from, it elicits an emotional reaction that can be stressful in and of itself. You may take it out on family members, friends, or coworkers that are trying to help or understand what is going on, which can obviously damage those relationships. Try writing down what is stressing you out. This can give you insight to the specifics of your issue and potentially see it from a different point of view. Talking about it to a trusted family member, friend, or counsellor can also give a fresh perspective.
After naming the stress, try prioritizing the things in your life that require your attention. Too often people can focus all of their time and mental energy into something that doesn’t require it, only adding to their stress. Try the Eisenhower Matrix, which divides aspects of your life into 4 different categories:
- Urgent and Important (immediate attention),
- Important but not Urgent (must be done but can be scheduled later),
- Urgent but not Important (Immediate action but not crucial) and
- Neither Urgent nor Important (things that can be dropped from your to do list completely).
By organizing like this, you can have a measure of control and a path forward that feels structured. You may even feel your stress level go down by just writing down your tasks and getting them out of your head.
Some people, when stressed, feel the need to isolate themselves from coworkers, friends, or family. This happens for many reasons, but often it is because they don’t want to feel like a burden to others , or they feel they are just too busy . Feeling alone can make the symptoms of stress worse, so try connecting, even briefly, with people in your life. It doesn’t even have to be about your stresses, you can keep it light. Share a funny story or a joke, or make plans for a coffee or a walk with a friend. If you need to talk through something heavier, try talking to a counsellor. They will be able to offer perspective, validation, and suggestions for making changes that could be healthy, especially at this time of year.
As deadlines approach and life gets busier, remember to make time for yourself. Slow down, pour a cup of tea, go for an outdoor stroll, or get together with some friends. If thoughts start to creep in that you are too busy, or don’t deserve a break, try to look at them with a critical eye and see if they are actually true. Chances are they are not. While life can be stressful, you can carve out little spaces for reflection, growth, and peace. Take some time to recharge your batteries and remind yourself that you deserve to slow down.
Rob Baker, MA RCC