Mindful Holidays:

For those who are working through the holiday season, balancing productivity with personal happiness can be challenging. While the rest of the world seems to be relaxing, celebrating, and unwinding, it’s easy to feel left out or overwhelmed by work obligations. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. A 2016 ONS survey showed that on average, 1.08 million people in the UK are working on Christmas Day.

In this article, we share essential tips to help you maintain productivity while also finding joy and balance during the festive period.

1.Plan Ahead

Start the season with a clear plan by creating a roadmap that includes work tasks, deadlines, and key holiday events. Identify priority tasks and use a calendar to map out both your professional and personal commitments, helping you visualise where you might need to adjust workloads or expectations. If possible, book a few strategic days off to give yourself some uninterrupted time for holiday enjoyment or rest.

Tools like Trello, Google Calendar, or Notion can be invaluable for organising tasks, setting reminders, and keeping everything balanced.

2. Set Boundaries and Communicate Clearly

Working during the holidays can be a balancing act, but setting a few boundaries can help protect your energy and make room for both work and celebration. Start by setting clear work hours and letting both colleagues and loved ones know your availability, so work doesn’t spill into personal time. For work, consider using a shared holiday calendar to make it easier for your team to coordinate and respect everyone’s personal time. For family and friends, don’t be afraid to say “no” to plans if you’re feeling stretched.

But working through the holidays doesn’t mean skipping out on all the fun! Consider blocking out some time for your favourite traditions—maybe a cozy brunch, a little holiday shopping, or savouring a cup of cocoa. When you clock out, why not switch off those work notifications and be truly present in the moment? That way, when it’s time to work again, you’ll feel recharged and FOMO-free.

3. Set Attainable Goals

Setting specific, manageable goals for each day can help keep you on track and prevent work from creeping into your personal time.

Start your day (or week) with a little planning session—think of it as your personal holiday ritual. Jot down your top priorities and break those big end-of- year projects into bite-sized tasks. This way, you’ll feel more accomplished as you tick items off your list, helping you stay motivated by seeing your progress. Also, make sure to schedule short breaks throughout your day to recharge.

4. Bring Festivity into Your Workday

Who says you can’t celebrate while working? One of the easiest ways to boost your holiday spirit is by decking out your workspace! Whether at home or in the office, hang some string lights, pop a mini holiday tree, or use a festive mug or scented candle to remind yourself of the season’s joy. You could even try creating a shared holiday playlist with your colleagues to enjoy while you work.

Creating a positive, holiday-themed workspace can lift your mood and remind you that it’s okay to pause and enjoy the season, even during a busy workday.

5. Connect with Others

Feeling isolated while others are celebrating with friends and family can be tough. Whether it’s grabbing a quick coffee with a colleague, having a call with a family member, or joining a virtual holiday gathering, those small moments can make all the difference. Social connection provides emotional support, reduces stress, and helps to lift our spirits, especially during the holiday season.

6. Practice Gratitude

The holiday season can stir up complex emotions, especially when you’re working while others are on holiday. Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to shift focus to the positives, no matter how small they may seem.

Try beginning or ending your day by writing down three things you’re grateful for. It can be anything from a supportive coworker to a cozy cup of tea during a break. Regular gratitude journalling can boost your mood and help you see the silver linings in your work and life.

7. Prioritise Self-Care

Taking care of your health ensures you’ll be able to handle both work and celebrations with energy and enthusiasm. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, stay nourished and hydrated, and make time for exercise or meditation. Self-care routines don’t have to be elaborate—sometimes, a simple 5-minute of meditating or a quick walk can help reduce the physical and mental effects of prolonged work hours.

Consider trying the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25-minute intervals with a 5-minute break after each. After four cycles, take a longer break. This approach can help maintain focus while leaving space for some festive enjoyment or much-needed relaxation.

8. Celebrate Accomplishments

During the holiday season, it’s easy to focus on what’s still left to do rather than celebrate what you’ve already accomplished. It’s equally important to hit pause for a moment to recognise your achievements and the effort you’re putting in during this unique time. Try focusing on the value of your work, the impact you’re making, and the positives of having a quieter work environment. Remind yourself that you’re doing your absolute best, and don’t hesitate to ask for support if needed.

9. Plan a Post-Holiday Celebration

If you’re working when others are off, it’s natural to feel like you’re missing out. Planning a post-holiday treat or celebration for yourself can be a great motivator. But here’s a fun idea: treat yourself to a little post-holiday celebration! Whether it’s time with your friends and family, a mini vacation to explore somewhere new, or simply a day off to recharge, having something special and relaxing to look forward to can work wonders for your spirits.

Add this planned reward to your calendar so it feels real and look forward to it as a treat for your hard work during the holidays. You deserve it!

Balancing work and rest during the festive season can be tricky, but with a little mindfulness and intention, you can stay productive while still enjoying all the unique joys this time brings. Allow yourself moments to breathe, laugh, and savour the season without focusing on perfection. Happy holidays!