The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring stress and exhaustion. As a private gemologist – and personal fitness trainer and nutrition educator as well – maintaining the focus on keeping fit and energetic during this busy period is crucial. Here are some practical hacks I’ve used and found effective for staying energized and healthy during the holidays, tailored for those in high-demand careers like mine.
1. Prioritize Healthy Snacking at Work
During the holiday rush, long hours are common, and it’s easy to reach for the nearest snack, which might not be the healthiest option. When I owned my retail stores, I enjoyed providing healthy snacks and meals for my team. Offering nutritious snacks like fresh fruits, nuts, and granola bars instead of sugary snacks not only boosts energy, but also shows your staff you care about their well-being. This simple change helps keep everyone’s energy levels high and focus sharp.
2. Rotate Snack Responsibilities Among Teams
To keep our snack supply varied and engaging, I used to organize my employees into groups and assign each one a week to bring in snacks. This rotation method not only keeps your snacks diverse, but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. One group might focus on savory items one week, while the next group brings in fruits and low-sugar treats. It’s a great way to involve everyone and make healthy eating a team effort.
3. Encourage Regular Breaks and Movement
I’ve found physical activity is an excellent way to relieve stress and boost energy. Encourage your team to take short, frequent breaks to stretch or walk around. You might even set up a small activity corner where employees can engage in brief physical exercises. These breaks can significantly enhance productivity and overall well-being, proving that just a few minutes away from the desk can make a big difference. If you have the space, you might even consider bringing in a trainer or yoga instructor to do mini classes before, during or after the work day to provide a convenient fitness opportunity.
4. Stay Hydrated
The hustle and bustle of the holidays can make it easy to forget about hydration, but keeping hydrated is crucial. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive function. Make sure there are ample water stations around your workplace and consider giving out reusable water bottles as holiday gifts to encourage more water intake.
5. Set Realistic Daily Goals
The holiday season can increase workloads tremendously, particularly in customer-facing roles. To help manage this, set realistic daily goals for yourself and your team. This helps manage the workload effectively without becoming overwhelmed. Achievable goals ensure work is done efficiently and without burnout, keeping morale high throughout the season.
6. Foster a Supportive Work Environment
Caring for the emotional well-being of your team is just as important as their physical health. Go the extra mile to create a supportive environment where everyone feels they can express concerns and seek help when needed. While I no longer own my retail stores, I think back to how I used to have regular check-ins with my employees and maintained an open-door policy—it made a significant difference in our team morale and mental health, especially during the high-pressure holiday season.
By integrating these practices into your workplace, you’ll not only enhance your team’s well-being, but also contribute to a more productive and positive holiday season. Remember, a healthy team is a happy team, and their well-being directly impacts the success of your business.
I’d love to connect with you to share more tips and ideas on living a life of wellness. Click HERE book a complimentary discovery call with me! Happy Holidays!!
