The end of the year can feel like a mad sprint to the finish line. Between various holidays, family get-togethers and crowds everywhere you look, stress levels can easily rise. And that’s before you factor your work into the equation!

In order to stay calm, cool and collected both in and out of the office, be proactive when it comes to battling holiday stress. Read on to learn how to keep your work sanity during the holidays.

Don’t Overcommit

It can be all too easy to watch your social calendar creep up come December. Office holiday parties and client soirees outside of personal commitments can begin to take a toll rather than give you an extra dose of cheer. Be judicious about how you schedule your out-of-work hours. Although it’s important to say yes to networking events like Christmas happy hours, you don’t need to necessarily say yes to all of them. Pick and choose the best after-work events to make sure you are getting the most out of what you put in.

Be Present

Not only is December a time for giving presents, but it is also a time for having presence. This month more than ever, presence should be top of mind. Because there are so many bells chiming during the holiday season, staying in the present can help you make sense of them. When you’re at work, focus on your tasks of the day; pay no mind to thinking about when you need to send your holiday cards or what cookie recipe you want to whip up for your cookie swap. This keen focus on presence will keep you working hard through the new year.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Now more than ever, your organization should be running at its highest caliber. In order to juggle all your work and personal commitments, you’ll need to plan ahead and foresee as best you can any obstacles that might pop up. Keep your calendar in meticulous order so you don’t miss any deadline or meeting prep. Set internal deadlines for yourself so that you don’t become a cog in the wheel for members of your team. With proper planning, you’ll be able to usher through the holiday season with ease and happiness rather than stress and pain.

Happy holidays from Burchard & Associates!

Burchard & Associates is an executive search firm specialized in accounting and finance recruiting across all business sectors, including manufacturing, retail, wholesale/distribution, healthcare, financial services, and more.

If you’re searching for a new position in accounting or finance, be sure to check out the latest job postings on our website and LinkedIn.