It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Write your friendly neighborhood editor after recovering from what can only be described as the world’s worst cold this week. After a week of enjoying the germs brought home by our elementary school-aged children, I found myself searching for every tip on the planet to regain my energy and use of my sinuses.
While I’m grateful we (hopefully) got it out of the way before the holidays, here are the top tips I found to keep yourself feeling good during the holidays (especially on the precipice of busy season):
1. Drink water
I know, I sound like my mom too. But we all tend to eat more sugar and drink more alcohol this time of year. Holiday parties fall on Tuesdays, not just Saturdays, and the next thing you know, we are not starting the week off well-rested or well-hydrated. This follows the extra coffee to keep us up. Drinking plenty of water can actually help you feel more satiated and less likely to binge on Christmas cookies too. Sugar suppresses your immune system. So bottoms up.
2. Eat breakfast
It probably goes without saying we should try to make it a healthy one. Skipping breakfast will most likely result in afternoon binge eating, heavy fat and/or sugary snacks, not to mention more coffee (again). Skipping breakfast also slows down your metabolism which isn’t going to result in your best energy performance in the office. Try to get in some healthy protein to keep yourself fueled throughout the day.
3. Rest
I sometimes wonder if a prerequisite for taking the CPA exam is a personality that refuses ever to slow down. We all know that burning the candle at both ends isn’t a recipe for a world-class immune system. You need rest to stay healthy, and you need more of it to recover when you’re sick. If you want to avoid being forced out of the office and onto your couch surrounded by a pile of tissues for a week, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and decompression time. Going into busy season means the stress is already starting to amp up, take some time off while client offices are closed for the holidays and unwind.
4. Move your body
You don’t need to sign up to be an Olympic power lifter for this to work. Studies show that 30 minutes a day of walking outside in sunlight will not only boost your immune system, it will also boost your mood and your ability to focus for the rest of the day. Instead of working through your lunch break at your desk, take time out to get some fresh air and exercise. P.S.: This is a great one to encourage in your office throughout the busy season to keep your team healthy too.
5. Take time for yourself
The holidays are stressful in their own right, all the wrapping and running around to not miss the kids’ school concert. Before another busy season hits, take some time to reflect on the past year, read a good book, set your resolutions or binge watch your favorite Netflix series. Whatever helps you to best unwind, take some time for just you amidst holiday bustle.
