While the holidays are billed as the most wonderful time of the year, many of us feel stressed or anxious during this season. Hospitals and doctor's offices also experience a surge of patients due to holiday-related injuries. Our team wants you to have a happy and healthy season, so we asked our insurance experts to share their top tips.
1. Skip the Stress
Stress levels can skyrocket at the end of the year due to the pressure you might feel to plan the perfect holiday season. From navigating sales at the mall, to attending the office Christmas party, and getting just the right gift for everyone on your list, there's a lot to manage. Make sure you:
- Get enough sleep. While it's tempting to stay up just a bit longer to get everything done, you'll feel more relaxed – and be more productive the next day – if you have a good night's rest.
- Take time each day for yourself. It can be difficult to carve out the time and space to recharge, but schedule in at least a few minutes to spend on a calming activity; it might be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, listening to an uplifting song, or sitting in a short meditation.
- Get organized. Choose what works for you: a to-do list, a budget, or a bullet journal are some popular choices. By knowing what you have to get done and having a deadline, you'll have more control over your daily schedule.
Expert tip: Knowing that you have adequate life insurance in place to protect you and your loved ones can add to your peace of mind, now and all year long.
2. Decorating Your Home
Putting up holiday decorations is one of the most common causes of injury at this time of year. Whether it's lifting something that's heavier than you thought or slipping off a ladder or rooftop, you can easily take steps to prevent these accidents. Remember to ensure that your accident insurance is up-to-date and will cover you at home; 24-hour coverage at work and home can be very affordable.
- Make sure you have the proper tools for the job you're doing. For example, use a ladder rather than standing on a chair, have hooks that will hold the weight of your decorations, and use fasteners appropriate to the surface you're working on.
- Clear the area you're decorating in and work in dry, well-lit conditions. Remove any potential hazards, such as stones or branches that could catch on your tools or cause you to trip. Avoid working in the rain or when it's slippery, if at all possible, and try to complete your decorating during daylight hours when you can see what's going on rather than in the dark.
- Get help for hard-to-reach areas and have someone available to watch for safety hazards. A family member or a neighbor can be the perfect decorating buddy to lend a hand for those decorations that are bigger than a one-person job. You can return the favour and then enjoy your festive display with a mug of hot cocoa.
3. Choose Fit & Fun Over Flab & Drab
It can be easy to let our regular exercise routine or our good eating habits slide during the excess of the holiday season. You might be busy with shopping, celebrating, or extra socializing. Maybe you're tempted by all the sweets that are on display or you feel like to need to raise a glass at every event you attend. Whatever the case, you can keep your holiday fun and your fitness.
Expert tip: Check if your life insurance policy includes incentives to keep in shape; why not get a reward from your carrier for staying active?
- Practice moderation. Food is a big part of the holidays; but instead of filling yourself to bursting, take a bite or two of each treat – and help yourself to a big serving of veggies. You'll be able to enjoy yourself more knowing that you've kept your cravings in check.
- Make time to move. Much like taking time for yourself everyday, it might help to schedule in some physical activity. If you aren't able to make it to your regular gym session or yoga class, you can take a few minutes at the beginning of your day to stretch or walk around the block on your work break.
- Give yourself some grace. It's ok to let go of a strict routine to enjoy the holidays a bit more. Recognize that you can have the occasional treat – but find a positive way to also hold yourself accountable for the decisions you're making.
4. Blue Christmas
There are many reasons you may not be feeling festive, which can lead to feeling even more isolated at this time of year or having to repeatedly explain yourself to more cheerful friends, neighbours and co-workers.
- Recognize that it's ok to take the time for your emotions and that you don't have to be the life of the party. We all have different experiences, and you don't need to explain yourself to others if you're uncomfortable doing so.
- Put health benefits in place for yourself if your employer does not offer them. Keeping your physical health strong can have a positive effect on your mental health.
- Seek community resources to connect with others who may have similar feelings during the holiday season. Your local community center or place of worship likely has meetings or groups for those experiencing depression or going through bereavement during the holidays. Your life insurance policy may include "Best Doctors" which gives you access to health professionals when you need them.
5. Spread Cheer, Not Germs
We're likely visiting more often throughout the holiday season, plus the malls are packed with people. You're probably shaking a lot more hands and giving a lot more hugs than you normally would. At the height of cold season, all of this interaction can lead to being sick on the sidelines rather than enjoying the festivities.
- Follow all the hand-washing and hygiene advice put out by your public health department. Be especially diligent after you've been shopping or on public transit to wash your hands before putting them near your face, and make sure to cover your nose and mouth if you are the one sneezing!
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what you can do to support your health if you feel a cold or flu coming on. They may recommend a supplement that can help your immune system to better fight any virus you come into contact with.
- Skip the visit if you're sick. While you might be sad to miss out on seeing someone, you'd feel even worse if you knew your visit gave them the same cold you're fighting. Send them a virtual 'hello' and make plans for when you're feeling better to get together and celebrate.
Expert tip: Did you know that you can put a policy in place that will cover you in the case that your child is hospitalized? This solution will let you be by their side rather than worrying about covering the bills at home.
It's important to invest in yourself, especially during the busy holiday season; think of it as a gift from you to you. The Auxilium Team is here to support you, during this time and all year, with friendly, knowledgeable staff and an array of mortgage and insurance solutions to give you peace of mind.
The Auxilium Team now provides life insurance and investment services through Auxilium Insurance Services. Our Insurance Liaison, Rebekah, can help find the right solution for you and provide a quote specific to your situation. Call her at 250-590-6520 or visit us at 307 Goldstream Avenue during regular business hours. Our team can also arrange an appointment evenings or weekends to work with you.
Insurance Services provided by Auxilium Insurance Services. Auxilium Mortgage Corporation is based in Victoria, BC and works with clients locally and across Canada. The Auxilium team has over 100 years of combined financial experience and access to dozens of lenders to help you meet your goals.
