As a healthcare worker, you’re used to dealing with all types of sicknesses. But what about that year-end ailment called “holiday fever?”
We all experience holiday fever to some degree – coping with the shopping frenzy, cooking, cleaning, and family gatherings. The holidays can be joyous – but they can also create feelings of stress and sadness. Stress can happen when you try to juggle your professional workload at the hospital, clinic, or healthcare facility with all that goes on during the holiday season.
Because the holidays are around the corner, here are seven suggestions to help healthcare workers keep focused on the job, stay healthy, and overcome feelings of holiday fever:
Work on Year-End and Personal Tasks Early
Start your holiday shopping earlier than you have in the past, and get a head start on any upcoming projects at work. This way, when you’re busy with office parties and planning family gatherings, you’ll have fewer last–minute to-do items on your plate.
Get into the Holiday Spirit
Being positive during the holidays can make a big difference in your performance as a healthcare professional. Don’t let the stresses of work/life balance get you down. You’ll feel better and be more pleasant to patients and staff members.
Coping with Sadness
Holiday fever can mean feelings of sadness or angst can creep up during the holidays. Wistfully remembering people and places from bygone days is normal. Allow yourself to remember things past and to treasure them. But know you have a future – with new opportunities to create happy memories.
Watch out for Distractions
While at the hospital, clinic, or office, don’t try to cram in shopping at lunch or buying gifts online. Focus on work – you can take on holiday chores during your spare time. It’ll also keep you from trying to do too many things at once – which causes undue stress.
Take Care of Yourself
Exercise more and get enough sleep each night. When you make time for these activities, the rest of your schedule falls into place. Also, watch what you eat and drink – the increase in sugary foods and alcoholic beverages will impact you the next day at work.
Don’t Over-Commit
Prioritize and balance your holiday activities with your work obligations. Don’t feel like you have to go to every department lunch gathering or office party. Keeping focused and maintaining an excellent work-life balance sometimes means telling yourself “no.”
Look Forward to Next Year
The new year is just around the corner. Anticipating new budgets and projects will keep you motivated for what you’re doing now.
Wrapping it Up
There are so many competing demands and expectations during the holidays that it’s very easy to get overwhelmed and even burn out. “A chaotic holiday season is a choice, not a given, “says productivity coach Marian Morgan. “Take it one moment at a time, instead of seeing it as a season of madness or happiness.”
Are you seeking employment opportunities this holiday season?
If you’re looking for nursing or other healthcare work in the San Diego area now or in the new year, reach out to the region’s leading medical recruiting agency. We’re here for you!
