The holiday season is a time of happiness and charity because you get to spend time with those that you love and help those in need. However, that doesn't mean that you stop paying the bills. You still have to work until the short Christmas break. The real challenge is staying focused at work while everyone around you seems like they've switched off. Your manager may have already left for the holidays, leaving you, and the other junior employees to handle the remaining work. You also have a large to-do-list since your family wants something for the holidays, and you have to deliver.
How to Stay Focused
1. Get Things Off Your Mind
Instead of stressing yourself about the things you have to do at work and at home during this holiday season, just write everything down on a piece of paper or your tablet. Clear your mind of such things, and you will be more focused at work. This is because writing everything down shows you just how much work you've got to do. You may realize that it's not a lot.
2. The Earlier the Better
Do your shopping now instead of waiting until Christmas time. This is because, at that time, your workload is likely to increase. For example, you may be responsible for organizing the office party or your family's get together for Christmas. Doing the shopping early will allow you to focus on those tasks without any worries.
3. Manage your Time Well
When you arrive at work, make sure that you focus on what you are supposed to do within that period. Don't allow yourself to be distracted. If you must go through your shopping list, do it during your break. Avoid long chats in the office and stick to deadlines. In fact, you are better off sticking to your normal work routine, assume there are no holidays when in the office and try to ignore the Christmas decorations around the office.
Related: Countering Those Holiday Party Guests That are Nonstop ComplainersRelated: 21 Quotes to Find Inner Peace this Holiday Season4. Don't Do Too Many Things at Once
With so many things happening during the holidays, you should avoid multitasking. For example, if you’re focusing on scheduling, network visibility , and communication support, and preparing your Powerpoint Presentation while shopping online you’re overloading your brain. When this occurs you are more likely to confuse yourself and mess up multiple activities.
5. Your Health is Important
Since its the holidays, you may be tempted to have a few drinks with friends every now and then. Although it's not bad to spend time with friends, don't overdo it because you still have to go to work the next day. Alternatively, you should watch what you eat. Don't eat foods that will leave you dozing off at work. Furthermore, you have to exercise your body. Walk to work or go for a morning run every day. You need the energy.
6. Don't Try to Please Everybody
Since it's the holiday season and last year, a work colleague bought you a Christmas present, you feel like you have to do the same this year. Such an obligation can be overwhelming if you have a lot on your plate. The best way to remain focused during this holiday season is to avoid over-committing yourself. Just keep in mind that if it can't happen this year, there's always next year.
Conclusion
It's that time of the year again when everybody is thinking about Christmas, but you have to work. However, things don't have to look so gloomy on your side. In fact, if you follow the above tips, you can have a more fulfilling holiday, knowing that you celebrated the holidays with no pending office work.