How to stay intact leading up to Christmas

As the year winds down, it can suddenly feel like we are on a fast train headed straight for Christmas. While some of us are fortunate enough to have upcoming breaks to look forward to, we may still wonder whether we will make it there intact – or if we will stumble before the finish line.

Even if it feels like there’s no time, it’s worthwhile to stop and take a moment to assess where you stand. This pause helps ensure that you can navigate the final months of the year, accomplishing what needs to get done while also tending to your health and wellbeing.

That is why I developed my MAGIC framework, designed to support people in focusing on their health and wellbeing at work. I work with amazing individuals who achieve incredible things, truly changing lives for the better.

This is not about slowing down or backing away from your goals. It’s about being clear on your priorities so that you can continue doing what you love without burning out.

A bit of Christmas MAGIC

What I often observe around this time of year is that people feel frayed and try various quick fixes to feel better. Unfortunately, these efforts can feel scattered and ineffective because they lack focus.

You might find the MAGIC framework helpful, or perhaps another tool works best for you. Either way, I strongly encourage you to use a framework that allows you to step back, assess what you need, identify gaps and take action. Once you have your plan in place, regularly review how you’re feeling. Has this approach made a difference? Do you need to adjust it?

If you use the MAGIC framework as you head into the Christmas season, when things often feel fast and furious, you might reflect on the following.

Meaning

Remind yourself why you do what you do. Feeling anchored to something can be stabilizing when everything around you is moving at warp speed. Don’t limit this to your actual work. It could be the autonomy you enjoy, opportunities for growth or simply the people you spend your days with.

Perhaps your work allows the flexibility your life needs right now. I often recommend keeping a journal and making note of what drives you, which can provide a sense of stability. Our brains crave certainty and this reflection can provide that grounding.

Authenticity

Many of you who have read my book will have done the values exercise, identifying your two core values. Clients I work with use this exercise as an ongoing way to ensure they prioritize what matters most in their lives.

For example, my core values are courage and connection, so during the chaos of Christmas preparations, I make sure to spend time with the people who are most important to me and stay firm on my boundaries. A colleague of mine has ‘order’ as a core value, so at a time when routines can go out the window, he reviews his schedule to ensure the order he needs to feel well is still in place.

Ground rules

When everything feels upside down, routines, rhythms and rituals can be a blessing. It’s often the small, daily actions – rather than big gestures – that help us feel grounded. Whether it’s a morning coffee, a walk before the house wakes up or reading just a few pages of a book, these routines don’t need to take much time but can offer huge returns. These small rituals can be a source of calm and control.

Interaction

While the lead-up to Christmas can be exciting for many, it can also be a source of stress for those with difficult family dynamics. A useful exercise here is to draw concentric circles, placing the names of people in your life in different circles based on how close and trusted they are.

The inner circle contains your core tribe, those you trust most, and as you work outward, you’ll see who fits where. This visual can help manage ‘people problems’ by showing you who truly deserves your mental and emotional energy. Sometimes the stress we feel over certain relationships isn’t worth the space they occupy in our minds.

Curiosity

At this time of year, when nerves are frayed, it’s easy to blow situations out of proportion and treat minor stresses as crises. I encourage clients to use a simple exercise – when something stresses you, rate the situation on a scale of one to 10. Often, it might feel like a 10 when you’re running on empty.

Next, think back to a truly significant stressor in your life and rate that. When compared to a major life event, the current issue often drops to a six, four or even two. This perspective can help manage your stress response. While it won’t eliminate the challenge, it can help you feel more in control.

As the year ends, it’s a great time to pause and reflect. While you may feel like you are crawling to the finish line, it’s essential to get things done while also prioritizing your health. By doing so, you’ll be in a better position to enjoy the end-of-year festivities.

Opinions expressed by The CEO Magazine contributors are their own.