Coping with the Silly Season - L - Lead by Example

I know this is sometimes easier said than done, but if you want your family and colleagues to get through the silly season feeling calm and relaxed, then you need to show them how its done.  If you feel like you are getting tetchy under pressure, take some time for yourself and work out what's going on.  Take deep breaths and prioritise your workload.  If you find yourself snapping at whoever walks through your door - take action and close the door!

Coping with the Silly Season - K - Keep it Fun

Even with busy workloads, you can still make your workplace fun.  Make an effort to put up some Christmas decorations, bring in some yummy morning tea, and wear a Santa hat if you need to.  Take little, inexpensive actions to instil some Christmas spirit in the daily grind.

Coping with the Silly Season - J - Joint Celebrations

While its nice to organise a Christmas Party for everyone involved with your organisation, it's not necessary to organise separate celebrations for every group of people.  Why not organise a joint celebration for all your programmes, donors, and supporters.

Not only will this save on time and expense, it is a great opportunity for the whole organisation to come together.  Donors can meet the people they support.  Members from one programme can meet members from another.  Supporters can learn aspects of your organisation that they might not otherwise hear about.

Win-win-win!

Coping with the Silly Season - I - Identify Your Triggers

You have been through this time of year many times before, so there's every chance you know what triggers your stress.  Identify your triggers before they happen, and have a plan to either avoid them or manage them.  Trying to figure it out in the heat of the moment just won't work.

Coping with the Silly Season - H - Holiday Focus

When you are on holiday, BE on holiday.  Resist the urge to check emails, or catch up on paperwork.  If you want to be truly effective when you return to work, you need a proper break.

Wednesday's Word of the Week - Some Days Never Come

“Someday we’ll take that cruise. . .”

“Someday I’ll have time to call and talk. . .”

“Someday, the children will understand why I was so busy. . .”

But you know the truth, don’t you? Some days never come.

Go to the effort. Invest the time. Make the apology. Take the trip. Do it. The seized opportunity renders joy. The neglected brings regret.

Remember Mary’s extravagance in pouring expensive perfume over Jesus’ head? And Jesus’ disciples criticizing her- “Why waste that perfume? It could have been sold for a great deal of money and given to the poor.”

Don’t miss Jesus’ prompt defense of Mary in Matthew 26:10: “Why are you troubling this woman? She did an excellent thing for me.”

Don’t miss Jesus’ message. There’s a time to pour out your affections on one you love.

And when the time comes—seize it!

From Cast of Characters by Max Lucado

Coping with the Silly Season - G - Get Moving

When life gets busy, it's easy to make excuses about not exercising because it feels like you don't have the time.  Trust me - if you keep exercising, you will be so much more productive in the time you do have.

Toolbox Tuesday - Tell Your Citizens Advice Bureau

21. Tell Your Citizens Advice Bureau

The Citizens Advice Bureau is still one of the first places people call when they need information – especially if they are new to town. Make sure the Citizens Advice Bureau has a brochure about your organisation, including details of how people can get in touch with you directly. If you do not have an office, make sure the personal contact details remain up-to-date as positions change.

Coping with the Silly Season - F - Family Focussed

Instead of organising a Christmas Party just for staff and volunteers, try organising an event where their families can also be involved.  This will make it easier for them to balance their work-family commitments, and you'll end up with a happier (less stressed) team.

Coping with the Silly Season - E - Eat Well

I know this sound cliché, but you really do cope better with stress when you eat well.  Granted it's difficult to eat like a saint with endless Christmas parties to attend, but when you are at home - stick to a plan.  Eat plenty of fruit and veges, drink lots of water, and limit your alcohol intake.  Besides, this way you'll enjoy the Christmas party treats so much more.

from Tonic magazine by EXULT