How to take care of yourself and your team during the holidays
December is often imagined as a season of warmth and celebration. Yet, for many, it’s also one of the busiest times at work. Deadlines pile up, expectations rise and the pressure to finish the year well can dim the holiday sparkle.
Clarity and switching off make for a better holiday
”January is one of our busiest months in terms of customers seeking help with stress-related symptoms. Many tell us they feel like they gave everything in December but still didn’t quite reach the finish line. And when January hits after a holiday that perhaps didn’t go as planned, they’re knocked off their feet,” Velliv’s Health Director Julie Engelund Sander explains.
It may seem surprising, but we often see stress rising after long holiday breaks. We picture the holidays as calm and cosy with laughter around the table and time to unwind. But reality rarely matches the picture we paint. With Christmas comes expectations – from ourselves and from others – and when they don’t align with reality, the season may bring tension, disappointment or even loneliness.
And then there's work: Closing your inbox while knowing tasks are unfinished can make it hard to relax. Many end up checking emails during the holiday or worrying about what awaits in January. That’s why it’s worth taking time to create clarity before you log off – and to truly disconnect once the holiday begins. A little planning can make all the difference, helping you and your team enjoy the break and return with renewed energy.
