Prioritize YOU This Holiday Season

The holidays are here, and I wanted to remind our valued friends and colleagues that it's important to take some time for yourself and be present in the moment. For accounting professionals, the weeks leading up to the end of the year can be some of the busiest of the year. Between year-end financial reporting, tax preparations, and the added stress of the holiday season, it's easy to get overwhelmed and lose sight of the things that truly matter.

The holiday season is a time for celebration, gratitude, and connection with loved ones. It's a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. And while it may seem counterintuitive to take time for yourself during such a busy time, doing so can actually help you be more productive and less stressed in the long run. It's also important to remember that the holidays aren't always a joyous occasion for everyone. 

So, here are some tips to help us all take care of ourselves and stay energized this holiday season:

Prioritize self-care

Self-care is about taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It's about recognizing the value of your own needs and taking steps to meet them. During the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to prioritize self-care. But it's important to remember that taking care of yourself is not a luxury – it's a necessity.

Some simple self-care practices to try during the holiday season include:

Get moving

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. It doesn't have to be anything fancy – a simple walk or yoga session can do wonders for your mood and energy levels. And it doesn’t have to be long. Even 5 minutes of stretching or jogging in place do your body a ton of good!

Sleep

Make sure you're getting enough rest. Experts say to shoot for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help you feel refreshed and energized. After all that holiday food, I know I’m usually ready for a nap!

Eat well

The holiday season is full of tempting treats (hello, pumpkin cheesecake), but it's important to prioritize nourishing, healthy meals as well. Try to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet to help you stay energized and focused.

Set boundaries

Boundaries are an essential part of self-care. They help you define your limits and protect your time and energy. During the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of others and over-commit yourself. But it's important to remember that you don't have to do everything. It's okay to say no to things that don't align with your values or that would cause you undue stress.

Here are a few tips for setting boundaries during the holiday season:

Communicate your needs

Be clear about what you can and cannot handle. If you have a lot going on and need to scale back your commitments, be honest and upfront about it.

Practice gratitude

Gratitude can help you stay focused on what truly matters and let go of things that don't serve you. Take a moment each day to think about the things you're grateful for – it can be as simple as the warmth of a cozy blanket on a cold winter day.

Set aside time for yourself

Make time for activities that bring you joy and nourish your soul. Whether it's reading a good book, going for a hike, or spending time with loved ones, make sure you're carving out time for the things that matter most to you.

Be present

The holiday season is a time for celebration and connection with loved ones. But it's easy to get caught up in the distractions of the season and miss out on the present moment. To truly make the most of the holiday season, it's important to be present and fully engaged with the people and activities around you.

Consider putting your phone away. 

It's easy to get caught up in the constant notifications and distractions of our devices. But to truly be present, it's important to disconnect and give your full attention to the people and activities around you. Consider setting aside specific times each day to disconnect from your phone and devices and focus on being present. You can use these tips to turn off notifications on your iPhone or Android device. 

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can help you stay grounded and focused in the current moment. Incorporate mindfulness activities into your everyday routine, such as taking a few minutes to focus on your breath or paying attention to your surroundings as you go about your day.

Be fully engaged

Make an effort to be fully engaged and present when spending time with loved ones or participating in holiday activities. Set aside any distractions or worries and immerse yourself completely in the experience. 

The holiday season can be hectic and stressful, but it is also a time to celebrate, connect, and be grateful. You can make the most of the season and set the stage for a productive and fulfilling year ahead by taking time for yourself and being present. So take a deep breath, set aside the distractions, and bask in the joy and warmth of the holiday season.

From all of us at Woodard, we hope that you have a wonderful holiday season filled with self-care, joy, and connection with loved ones. We wish you a happy and productive new year and look forward to supporting you as you continue to grow and evolve as an important part of the accounting community.

Wishing you all the best!

Heather Satterley – Editor in Chief of The Woodard Report