Staying Productive During the Holiday Hustle
No matter how far removed from the school years we get, this time of year can still trigger a longing for extended time off. It’s almost as if Thanksgiving shifts our brains into holiday mode. While holiday time is great, it can make staying focused on the job difficult with so many other things on our mind.
Divide and Conquer
At work, December and the 4th quarter in general, are a time for wrapping up projects and gearing up for the new year. With the possibility of fewer meetings and client interactions, now is the time to make a dent in the things that got pushed to the end of the to-do list. To make the most of this time, it’s critical to have a plan of action. Some might refer to this as “making a list and checking it twice.”
Knowing this month is prime time for cooking, shopping and gatherings with family and friends, a game plan for being productive during work hours is critical. A quick look around your work space will guide you where to place attention first. This may be organizing papers and folders piled haphazardly in your space or tackling an inbox overflowing with unresolved email. By applying a systematic approach, you can move forward with confidence. The purging process might feel brutal at the time but come January, you’ll be glad you made the effort.
Narrow the Focus
During such a busy time of year, resist complication. Resolve to keep things simple when you can. Start by deciding which are immediate needs and write only those things down. Resist the desire to overcompensate. You’ll only add stress with each additional task. After narrowing the list, make it a priority to accomplish those tasks and only those tasks. Apply this systematic approach to check each item off the list and choose only the most important things, adding no more to each day’s agenda.
Take a Break
No matter how organized you are, it can be challenging to remain clear of other people’s energy, both good and bad. When things start to feel overwhelming at work or at home, take a moment for yourself. Stealing just a few minutes of crisp air and sunshine can help free office politics and holiday obligations from the mind. Think of those moments of sunshine as mandatory activities for sanity as well as a health-boosting dose of Vitamin D. If you have the option to get away for lunch or take a short break, pause during these times to remember the blessings over the past year and dream a little about the potential of the coming new year. A change of scenery can do wonders to shift the mind out of old habits and stall overdrive moments, leaving you rejuvenated and ready to send 2017 out on a high note!
This article is brought to you by Staffing Kansas City, a full-service Kansas City employment agency that provides contract-to-hire, direct hire and contract employment placement services.