Balancing Work, Family, and the Holidays: Becoming a Master Juggler

The holidays are a time of joy and togetherness. In truth, however, they can also be a time of stress. We try to juggle so much— work, getting together with family and friends, perhaps buying that perfect gift for each special person. Something has to give, and usually, it is our physical or emotional health—or both.

The job of an Airman is undeniably rewarding but can be stressful. Balancing a demanding job with family obligations is challenging the rest of the year, but it can be downright back-breaking during the holiday season. Maybe your mother told you what mine did: burning the candle at both ends quickly leads to burnout. The trick is to find ways to make that candle last, which entails not burning it 24/7. These tips will help you avoid the worst of holiday stresses:

START SHOPPING EARLY

If you leave all your shopping until the last minute, you may contend with larger crowds in the stores, which exposes you to hazards including COVID-19, heavy traffic, or even human stampedes. Keep a piece of paper in your pocket and jot down the thought when you see or think of a great gift for a particular person. Your phone can come in handy for this purpose as well. You will enjoy the shopping process so much more if you start early and leave yourself open to inspiration.

JUST SAY NO

Prioritize your activities. Do you really have to go to that neighbor’s party on Thursday when you have a party on Friday at your best friend’s home? No. So stay home. You do not have to be Scrooge; just choose among the celebrations, and attend the ones you look forward to the most.

RELAX

Take a couple of minutes at least once a day to sit back, close your eyes, and unwind. Meditate, visualize, manifest—whatever works for you. Take a few slow, deep breaths, and exhale all the stress. You may even decide that you want to continue this habit for the rest of the year.

TAKE IT EASY WITH THE ALCOHOL

If you are going to drink, be responsible. When your inhibitions are relaxed by alcohol, you may say or do something you will regret at a family gathering or an office party. Knowing your options for rides ahead of time, such as rideshare, taxis, and sober friends, can also help ensure you get home safely.

LOOK OUT FOR NUMBER ONE

Take care of yourself. If possible, get at least seven or eight hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep keeps your spirits up, your immune system firing on all cylinders, and your mind sharp. Exercise provides the same benefits, so keep up your fitness routine during the holidays. Take vitamin supplements to get the ones you may not be getting from finger foods and desserts.

IF YOU NEED HELP, ASK FOR IT

If you are feeling overwhelmed, tell someone. Ask a good friend or a family member for help with whatever task(s) you need assistance with. If your distress goes deeper than that, an online counseling service, or teletherapy, can offer convenient, affordable alternatives to traditional, in-office therapy. It is a good choice if you want to continue the relationship after the holidays when you may go home to another state or country.

It is hard to find balance when you are being pulled in so many different directions, but it is possible. Just remember the reasons for the season and the people who are special to you, and you will not only manage to juggle the important tasks—you will finally get to enjoy the holidays.