Career Talk Blog | Balancing the Holidays as a Military Family

Give Yourself the Gift of Balance this Holiday Season

It crept up on us again… the most wonderful time of the year. The panic has already set it for many people; decorating, hosting delicious dinners, volunteering, shopping, wrapping, and baking to start. The best way to keep the holidays happy is to practice balance in your work/school and home life.

First and foremost, follow Santa’s lead.

Make a list (or ten) and check it (or them) twice. Lists will keep you organized when you have an overwhelming amount of things to do. Generate lists for work tasks, class assignments, gifts to give, cards to send, groceries and anything else that is running through your mind.

 

Secondly, prioritize your tasks.

What are the most important things on each list? Put them at the top. Finish, your big project at work or a big paper for school. Students enrolled in MyCAA approved online career training programs have the ability to stop and start classes as needed. Military spouses can take advantage of this flexibility during holiday leave and maximize time with their active duty service member. The link below lists MyCAA programs. http://themajorgrouptraining.com/my-caa-programs/overview/

 

Next, Santa won’t put you on the naughty list if you say “No!”.

Don’t overcommit. Put some thought into each invitation before you respond. Is the special event important to you? What might you miss if you attend? Is it in your budget? If you decide to decline, do it promptly and kindly. Also, don’t feel obligated to give a reason.

 

Try your best to stick to your routine in the midst of non-stop celebrations.

Get up and check your work email every morning if that is part of your practice. It will lower your stress level in the long run. If you read a certain amount of a school book each night, stay on track. Then you won’t be behind after break.

 

Get your goals in order.

It is time to think about 2019!! Military spouses can start and finish the process to enroll in MyCAA-approved programs now. Schoolwork won’t start until after we ring in the new year. Get started!

 

Most importantly, get into the holiday spirit and enjoy yourself!

Stand under the mistletoe and smooch someone you love, give someone a perfectly wrapped surprise from Saint Nick, or sit by a fire and sing carols. There is no better gift to give yourself than balance so that you can truly enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.