by admin | Dec 4, 2023 | Health & Wellness
‘Tis the season for family, festivity, and food—lots of food. The holidays dish up a triple whammy of wintry weather, irresistible foods, and stress, which can cause even the strongest-willed person to reach for another festive goodie.
While the notion of enjoying “healthy holidays” has a nice ring to it, reaching that goal can be very challenging. Between the endless social gatherings and the to-do lists that seem longer than Santa’s list of names, balancing the season’s obligations often means that our diets take a backseat until the New Year.
If you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle this holiday season, you may be wondering what foods you should prepare and how to stay on track with your goals.
Here are six tips for savoring a healthier holiday season:
- Portions Matter – Eat slowly and mindfully and opt for smaller portions. Also, avoid going back for seconds; your body needs time to feel full so give yourself 20 minutes before you reach for more.
- Fit in Favorites – No food is on the naughty list. Deprivation leads to backlash – it’s better to have a plan and do it on purpose. In advance, plan for the indulgences that matter most to you so you can be sure to savor a small serving of Aunt Carol’s pie!
- Make Movement Merry – Be active after a big meal; not only does activity help you burn off some calories but you may also feel more energized. Exercise is the secret to holding the (waist)line when holidays indulgences call. Choose fun activities like ice skating or sledding with friends and family or take a walk with family after a holiday meal.
- Include Some Healthy Options – A platter of raw veggies or fruit with a low-fat dip can be a colorful and healthier alternative to a tray of sliced cheese, deli meats and crackers. Or replace the cheese dip with a bowl of cold large shrimp with cocktail sauce.
- Try a New Tradition – You may not be the only person at the gathering trying to maintain healthy eating goals. Why not try a healthier recipe that may become a new tradition?
- Get Your Zzz’s – Going out more and staying out later means cutting back on your sleep. Sleep loss can make it harder to manage your blood sugar, and when you’re sleep deprived, you’ll tend to eat more and prefer high-fat, high-sugar food. Aim for 7 to 8 hours per night to guard against mindless eating.
Set an example for your children. By incorporating some of these ideas, you can create healthy traditions for your kids. As these traditions are passed down from one generation to the next, your family will learn that it’s possible to make positive lifestyle choices while still enjoying the holiday season.
Remember, a healthy holiday makeover doesn’t require drastic changes to have a significant impact. Modifying a few choices and behaviors can lead to health benefits that can last a lifetime of happy, healthy holidays.
by admin | Dec 21, 2022 | Health & Wellness
The holidays are often the busiest time of the year for a lot of people which can make it hard to stay mentally and physically healthy. With a little intentionality and understanding, you can fully enjoy the holidays while keeping your health in mind.
6 Tips to Make Your Holidays Brighter:
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is often the first thing to go during a busy holiday season. Poor sleep, especially over a period of a few weeks, leads to poor functioning: it impacts your immune system, ability to concentrate and your mood – all things that make you even more stressed out. It’s a vicious circle.
Prioritize “Me Time”
Taking some much needed “me time” isn’t selfish; taking care of yourself is one of the best mental wellness gifts you can receive. Do some yoga, take a walk, relax in the bathtub, or simply take some time to catch up on some reading. Your mental health will thank you for it.
Practice Self-Control When It Comes to Food
Cookies, muffins, cakes and countless other temptations are prevalent during the season! The holidays are a time when a lot of people pull out their stretchy pants from the back of their closets so they can eat sweets and delicious foods to their hearts’ content. It’s okay to enjoy holiday treats but it’s important to be mindful of your choices and then balance your treats with healthy foods.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Last Minute Stress
Staying on top of your errands and to-do list by thinking ahead. Getting your holiday shopping done early helps you avoid the stress of last-minute shopping when you might not be able to find the things on your list.
Get Some Exercise
Exercise is an excellent way to destress. But don’t worry if you miss some time at the gym – the holidays are always busy and making your regular 7 a.m. spin class after a holiday party probably isn’t going to happen, and that’s okay. Focus on simply moving your body. Take the stairs or park your car further away from your destination to get some more steps in!
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Pinterest floods your feed with extravagant party decorations. Not to mention seeing beautifully decorated homes in TV commercials or social media posts of lavish gifts can make you feel overwhelmed. You might even start to think your holiday celebrations aren’t up to par. Just remember: your holiday traditions are your own and they don’t have to be like anyone else’s.
While the holidays can feel exhausting, it’s also a time to be enjoyed and savored. Make time for the activities you enjoy this season, such as Christmas baking, holiday movies, ice skating, and favorite family traditions. But most importantly, be present. That’s the best tip of them all.
by ckistler | Dec 8, 2020 | Human Resources, Workplace
Building camaraderie between your employees is essential for employee engagement and retention. In fact, employees with close work friendships report 50% higher satisfaction with their work, according to Gallup. Hosting parties for your office this season may not be possible, yet they are still important. We’ve gathered some fun alternative ways to celebrate together while apart this holiday season.
IT’S PARTY TIME!
Gingerbread House Building Contest
- Mail a box of the components to your team ahead of the party date.
- Host a video call with background music while everyone constructs their house so they can see the progress of their co-workers’ build.
- Post pictures of the finished houses on your company Facebook page and take votes for different categories. Your team can share the page with friends and family to try to drum up votes and, in turn, your page will get some new visits! Win-Win!
- Send gift cards to winners to online merchants.
Virtual Holiday Bingo
- Mail bingo cards and dobbers or stickers ahead of the party date.
- Host a video call and ask your most outgoing and beloved team member to be the bingo caller.
- Email e-card prizes to winners.
Winter Cocktail Party
- Mail a “mix-kit” of cocktail components to your team ahead of the party date.
- Hire a mixologist to teach via video call how to make a couple of cocktails with the ingredients you have sent out ahead of time.
- *Optional: take votes on a short menu of cocktails to see which ones the team is most interested in learning how to make.
Virtual White Elephant Party
- Some people consider a “white elephant” gift to be something chosen from their home that is still in good/new condition, a cheap purchased gift, or a joke gift. Make sure you determine what type you want people to give so that everyone prepares the same.
- Have your team prepare their gift at their home ahead of time and take a picture of their item. Each person should email the pre-designated “Santa” the picture so he/she can prepare the game.
- Prepare a PowerPoint presentation with images of gifts and follow the instructions on this site to host the party.
General Tips
- Mail “party supplies” two weeks early.
- Make a party playlist and share it before the party to get people in the holiday party mood.
- Consider mailing party food such as flavored popcorn, chips, candy, and even a meal-delivery gift card for eating during the virtual event.
Even though we are apart this holiday season, there is no need for us to be disconnected. You can still be the “host/ess with the most/est” by preparing the best party for your team. Show them you care by spending the extra time and care to keep your team engaged during the holidays.
by admin | Dec 11, 2018 | Human Resources, Workplace
As the holiday season approaches, the economy is humming along, unemployment is low, and companies are enjoying the fruits of corporate tax breaks. Time to celebrate? Not so fast, according to the 2018 Holiday Party Survey by Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The survey found that just 65 percent of companies are holding holiday festivities this year, the lowest rate since the 2009 recession.
While in 2009, holiday parties were skipped for financial reasons, the 2018 causes are more complex. Andrew Challenger, VP of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, speculates that the two biggest factors are #MeToo and an increase in the number of remote employees.
If your company is among those celebrating the holiday season this year, what can you do to avoid liability from sexual harassment, alcohol consumption, and other categories of risk?
Risk: Harassment Allegations
- Communicate behavior expectations to employees ahead of time. Consider using this language to set standards of conduct. You may even choose to redistribute your sexual harassment policy. Be sure to emphasize that all employee policies apply at the party, even if it is off-site or after work hours. Racial or sexual jokes, inappropriate gag gifts, gossiping about office relationships, and unwelcome touching will not be permitted during the holiday party, just as they are not allowed in the office.
- Do not allow employees to get away with bad behavior. Remind your supervisors to set a good example and keep an eye out for employee behavior that needs managing at the event.
- Follow up immediately on allegations of inappropriate behavior and conduct a thorough investigation of the facts, even if the alleged victim does not file a complaint and you only hear about the behavior through the grapevine. If corrective action is warranted, apply it promptly.
- Invite significant others or families. Employee behavior tends to improve at company events when spouses or partners and children are present. If your budget allows, include the entire family in the celebration. Be sure to review your liability coverage with your broker first.
- Avoid incidents related to relaxed inhibitions by following the tips for reducing alcohol-related risks (see below).
Risk: Alcohol-Related Incidents
- Take steps to limit alcohol consumption. If alcohol will be served, provide plenty of food rich in carbohydrates and protein to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. You can also have a cash bar, limit the number of drink tickets, or close the bar early to deter over-consumption. Also have a good selection of nonalcoholic beverages or a tasty signature “mocktail” available. Make sure water glasses are refilled frequently.
- Get bartenders on board. If you have underage workers or invite children of employees, be sure that servers ask for ID from anyone who looks under age 30. Ask servers to cut off anyone who appears to be intoxicated.
- Make sure employees get home safely. Offer incentives to employees who volunteer to be designated drivers, offer to pay for ride shares or taxis, or arrange group transportation or accommodations. Planning for safe transportation can potentially minimize your liability if an employee causes an accident while driving under the influence.
- Do not serve alcohol if your party is at the office and your policies do not permit drinking on company premises or during work hours. Deter employees from an informal after-party at a bar or restaurant where the alcohol could flow.
Risk: Workers’ Compensation Claims
- Keep the party voluntary and social. Typically, workers’ compensation does not apply if the injury is “incurred in the pursuit of an activity, the major purpose of which is social or recreational.” If the carrier determines that the company party was truly voluntary and not related to work, you may not be liable for injuries sustained at the party.
- Go offsite. Hosting your holiday party at an offsite location is a smart idea. Your employees will be thankful for the change in setting, and this could reduce insurance liabilities for your company, especially when it comes to third-party alcohol and injury policies.
- Check with your broker before the party. Review your insurance policies and party plans to make sure you do everything you can to avoid risk and know how to handle any incidents that result from the party.
Risk: Perceptions of Unfairness
- Determine how to handle pay issues in advance of the party. You’re not required to pay employees who voluntarily attend a party after hours. However, nonexempt employees need to be compensated if they are working the party or if attendance is mandatory. If the party is held during regular work hours, then all employees must be paid for attending the party.
- Decide in advance whether and how to include remote employees, independent contractors, temporary employees, or agency workers. Be consistent in sending invitations, and if a category of workers will not be invited to the party, consider other ways to reward them for their hard work throughout the year, such as gifts.
- Do not penalize employees who choose not to attend. The message may be misinterpreted and could create employee relations concerns. Be considerate of those who do not attend the event due to religious beliefs, sobriety, mental health issues, family obligations, child care conflicts, or any other reasons. Avoid religious symbols or themes as they could offend individuals of different faiths.
by Rachel Sobel
Originally posted on ThinkHR.com
