Team Hancock’s HR Specialist, Hannah Goriss, has been on a roll sharing benefit spotlights with our employees in 2024. She recently created and shared her most recent benefit spotlight on Holiday Health Tips & Checklist, and we wanted to share it beyond our employee audience. Take a few minutes to read through the info below and remember to slow down and take an “extra two” to stay healthy while celebrating with friends and family during this holiday season!
We’re in the final stretch of 2024! With one holiday behind us and two more to go, the stress of the season may already be setting in. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone! The American Psychological Association (APA) polls report 9 out of every 10 people in the US is feeling 41% or more stress than usual. Also, according to recent polls from the American Heart Association (AHA) during the 2022–2023 holiday season:
- 51% of Americans said it takes them up to a month to recover from the holiday season.
- 71% said they regret not taking time to relax over the holidays.
- 63% claimed that the holiday season is more stressful than tax season.
Whether it’s financial pressures, family dynamics, scheduling challenges, or something else entirely, stress can take a toll on both your mind and body. Common side effects include difficulty sleeping, muscle tension, appetite changes, trouble concentrating, and anxiety—all of which can increase the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI), falls, illness, and exhaustion.
Winter Safety Reminders:
To stay safe during the busy holiday season, keep these tips in mind:
- Clean off your car completely before driving.
- Leave extra space between parked cars for safe maneuvering.
- Be cautious of black ice on roads, parking lots, and driveways.
- With shorter daylight hours, back into your parking spot in the morning when it’s light outside.
- Dress for the weather—even when the sun is out, freezing temps and black ice spots can linger.
- Take small, deliberate steps and quickly survey the area for any hazards before you walk.
- When carrying heavy items, ask for help.
Take Care of Yourself:
Now more than ever, it’s important to take a step back and remind yourself that you’re only one person—give yourself grace. Slow down and enjoy the holidays for what they truly are. Show gratitude to yourself and others, set boundaries when needed, and carve out some time in your daily or weekly routine to relax and decompress, however that looks for you!
To help you stay organized and practice healthy habits, below is our Holiday Health Checklist for download. Use it to navigate the season and keep your well-being a priority.