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| comment | | "parent_author":"",<br>"parent_permlink":"christmas",<br>"author":"m3x",<br>"permlink":"5-tips-and-tricks-to-stay-productive-on-christmas",<br>"title":"5 Tips and Tricks To Stay Productive on Christmas",<br>"body":"![christmas.jpg (https:\/\/cdn.steemitimages.com\/DQmNq8tqJKAYE8to8ECACNxiwksT2KDqvZAtdGoKRcb66cH\/christmas.jpg)\n\nDespite there being around 20 working days in the month of December and end of year deadlines looming,<br> many companies will still experience skeletal staffing,<br> distracted teams and a general workplace attitude of \u201cmeh,<br> it\u2019s December,<br> we\u2019re off soon\u201d.\n\n \n\nIn fact,<br> according to recent research of ours,<br> one in three Brits describe themselves as unproductive in the month of December. It makes sense \u2013 it\u2019s a month of stressful time-pressures,<br> juggling work with social events whilst trying to stay focused.\n\n \n\nHowever,<br> companies and employees can,<br> to a certain extent,<br> pre-empt this slump in motivation by supporting and incentivising their teams with information on how to achieve the best work life balance they can in this slightly trickier season.\n\n \n\nAt Perkbox,<br> we wanted to do our bit to help,<br> so recently we launched our \u20185 Golden Things\u201d campaign in collaboration with some of our favourite work\/life balance ambassadors \u2013 from younger generations,<br> to more experienced professionals. Each of us will be sharing our five golden tips for striking the balance at home and at work in the run up to the festivities.\n\n \n\nI\u2019ll be sharing my personal favourite ones with you today. Read on to find out more.\n\n \n\nTip No. 1: Make a list and check it twice\n\n \n\nLet\u2019s start with the basics \u2013 with so many distractions popping up in the run up to Christmas,<br> be smart and keep track of your to do lists. This applies to both professional and personal chores \u2013 although of course,<br> keep them seperate or it may become a huge mess!\n\n \n\nBy keeping all your tasks jotted down on a piece of paper you\u2019ll experience similar effects to when you take notes at a lecture \u2013 it\u2019s proven by numerous studies that it helps you filter external information out and distill your thoughts so that you can remember things better.\n\n \n\nIt\u2019s that simple. In fact,<br> I\u2019d encourage you to do it all the time,<br> no matter the season!\n\n \n\nTip No. 2: Look backwards when it comes to achievements\n\n \n\nThink of who has done an outstanding job this year,<br> or maybe you have? Pat yourself on the back at the very least if that\u2019s the case,<br> but also reward yourself and others who deserve it.\n\n \n\nIf you have a platform like Perkbox,<br> you\u2019re lucky \u2013 you can reward your members of staff for their hard work directly through the platform,<br> as well as giving them all the recognitions they deserve.\n\n \n\nBut if not,<br> think outside the box. Rewarding employees for their achievements doesn\u2019t have to be expensive,<br> the best are simply thoughtful. You\u2019re likely to know your employees well enough by now if you spend every working day together \u2013 use your creativity to gift them something that will really wow them.\n\n \n\nIn my opinion we often view this exercise as a \u201cnice to have\u201d rather than a necessary \u201cmust\u201d,<br> but it truly isn\u2019t. It\u2019s extremely healthy both for our emotional wellbeing and our professional development. You never know \u2013 it may help you identify new strengths within yourself and others that could help bring the company forward in different ways in the new year.\n\n \n\nBut that\u2019s the key \u2013 just remember it\u2019s not just about rewarding,<br> it\u2019s about reflecting back on that achievement too!\n\n \n\nTip No. 3: Look forward when it comes to everything else\n\n \n\nThe fourth quarter of the year (Q4) is one of the biggest quarters for planning. On the execution side it gets quieter; as customers and prospects wind down for Christmas.\n\n \n\nBut make the most of that time to plan,<br> don\u2019t just sit around taking it easy! You\u2019ll appreciate it when you return from the Christmas break and you feel that January Blues creeping in \u2013 that unpleasant feeling after the holiday season is over and the weather is still very cold.\n\n \n\nIn fact,<br> I would go as far as encouraging you to plan for both your professional and personal projects for the start of the year. Think of all the tasks you\u2019ll have to begin the year doing and organise them so that everything is ready to make a smooth start to the year.\n\n \n\nSimilarly,<br> plan your next holiday for the new year so that once you\u2019re back,<br> the January Blues I mentioned earlier,<br> doesn\u2019t hit you so heavily. It\u2019ll also likely make your holiday much cheaper if you do it so in advance. You might even afford the Bahamas next year!\n\n \n\nTip No. 4: Stick to a healthy routine\n\n \n\nYour routine will likely be out the window just before Christmas but don\u2019t blame yourself for it,<br> it\u2019s normal. Instead,<br> try your best to keep some healthy habits,<br> such as \u2013 not drinking excessively throughout the working week,<br> trying 20 minutes yoga just as you get out of bed or,<br> if you have the Perkbox app try the \u201cBoxx Method\u201d,<br> which will help you identify short workouts that you can perform from the comfort of your home.\n\n \n\nTip No. 5: Make the most of your lunch break\n\n \n\nFinally,<br> make the most of your lunch hour. Don\u2019t eat in front of your laptop,<br> and if I were you,<br> I\u2019d recommend not to stay in the office either. Go outside and explore \u2013 even if it\u2019s rainy,<br> yes! \u2013 getting some fresh air will help you.\n\n \n\nI find what works best for me is to have a goal in mind when I set off for that break. Be this grabbing some lunch from a nearby store where I can get my PerksGO discounts,<br> or buying a last-minute present from the gift shop that\u2019s ten minutes away.\n\n \n\nResearch has found that workers that consistently take a break experience better health,<br> less stress and more creativity. You let your mind rest as you focus on other activities and break with the office routine. If you\u2019re not doing it already,<br> this season is perhaps the best one to start. Embrace it!",<br>"json_metadata":" \"tags\":[\"christmas\",<br>\"tips\",<br>\"tricks\",<br>\"gift\",<br>\"newyear\" ,<br>\"image\":[\"https:\/\/cdn.steemitimages.com\/DQmNq8tqJKAYE8to8ECACNxiwksT2KDqvZAtdGoKRcb66cH\/christmas.jpg\" ,<br>\"app\":\"steemit\/0.1\",<br>\"format\":\"markdown\" " |
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