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Step 1
Avoid your boss. Chances are, they’re more stressed out than you could imagine. If you’re finding that your boss snaps at you every time you confront them about something, try confronting someone else. Ask other co-workers your questions, preferably someone that has been there longer than you. If you need help with anything, ask someone else to help you. The only time you should confront your boss is if you specifically need them for anything, or if everyone else is busier. The less stressed out your boss is, the less stressful the workday will be for everyone.
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Step 2
Concentrate more on what you’re doing. Hectic workdays make it much easier to mess up, even on things you’ve been doing forever. Even small accidents mean more stress for everyone, especially you. Take some time to calm down and pay full attention to what you’re doing.
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Step 3
Ignore the co-workers that decide to take their stress out on everyone else. It’s hard to let someone take their stress out on you when you’re so stressed out yourself, but remember that conflict only adds to the mess. Use the same tactic to avoid these co-workers as you use to avoid your boss.
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Step 4
Don’t be that person. Stress is just a big cycle, and taking your stress out on others is only fueling that cycle. Even if your other co-workers are making mistakes, don’t make a big deal about them. If necessary, tell them how to correct what they did wrong, and go on with what you were doing. Remember: it’s much easier for everyone to make mistakes in such a hectic environment.
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Step 5
Enjoy your breaks. Even if it’s just a 5 minute break, take that time to calm down and relax. Drink some soothing tea during your lunch break; sit down and savor the time you have to relax. Once your break is up, you’ll have much more energy to take on your next set of tasks. If possible, avoid running errands during breaks. If you have errands you need to do that day, try running them before or after work.
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Step 6
Don’t try to prevent the stress by doing everyone else's job. Each person should have their own set of tasks; don’t bend over backwards to keep everyone at bay. Your co-workers will naturally be stressed out; there’s not much you can do to prevent that without putting more stress on yourself.
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Step 7
Do something nice every now and then to help everyone calm down. Bring in a homemade holiday treat, order some coffee for everyone, etc. More than likely, it will cheer everyone up and make the day less stressful. I don’t recommend doing this every day, but once in a while is fine.
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Step 8
Take it all in good stride. Don’t let the frantic environment of holiday work get you down. Joke with your co-workers occasionally; laugh at things that are funny. Do your job well, and remember that the holidays are meant to be cheery, even for you.
Comments
deepthinkin said
on 12/20/2008 Breathe, stretch, get some sun when you can - great advice, thanks!
Butterfli said
on 12/20/2008 Great tips! Thanks! 5*
veryirie said
on 12/20/2008 Holiday stress at work does exist; great tips on combatting it. :)