Balancing Work and the Holidays

For most of us, the holidays are a hectic time. Our schedules get turned upside down, additional time is spent on holiday planning and activities, and combined with working and managing employees we are even more exhausted than usual (is that even possible?). Most of us probably never think of how we are going to balance this time before it actually happens. I mean, what’s the point? It’s inevitable that appointments will overlap with family time and school functions will collide with going over documents with your most important client. 

Take a step back. Breathe. It’s going to be ok.

While balancing work with a personal life is a challenge in any field, it is especially a challenge in the real estate industry as we are always running all over town for a variety of reasons. First you’re on Main Street for a showing, then you’re downtown for a closing, and then you’re driving three towns over for the soccer game where you don’t get any cell phone reception. Within all of the hustle and bustle, it is nevertheless important to take time to vacation, spend time with family, and just unwind.

If you’re reading this and thinking you don’t even know where to start, don’t worry. Your real estate virtual assistant has a few tips up their sleeve to give you some breathing room this holiday season.

1. Take some TIME off: One day at home isn’t enough to detach yourself from the little voice in your head buzzing about work. To truly benefit from your time off, you need to take enough time to let yourself fully relax. If you’re anything like me, you may have forgotten how to relax and the very thought of the word “relax” gives you anxiety. Make an effort to push through a few days work-free, so when you return to your desk you feel rejuvenated instead of panicked.

2. Practice Self-Empathy: It’s okay to admit to yourself when you need to shut the lap top and focus on other priorities. The holidays may be the only time when it’s acceptable to shop instead of work.  During the holiday season, treat yourself like you would treat your best friend. Free yourself of guilt and do what’s right for you. You know better than anyone that your work isn’t as great unless you’re 100% invested. 

3. Take Advantage of Technology: If you’re finding it impossible to get away from your desk, it might be time to do some online shopping. Not everyone has time to make it to the mall or drive from store to store shopping for gifts. You may also want to consider gift cards. While they may not be the most “personal” gifts in the world, everyone loves them and you don’t have the added stress of conjuring up the “perfect” idea.

4. Prioritize, Delegate, and Ask for Help: It’s December 23, your kids want nothing more than the newest video game system and the stores are closing in 45 minutes. It’s time to take 10 minutes to prioritize your work, delegate the things you can and ask for help. Does everything really need to get done today, or is there anything that can be pushed out until Monday? Are there any tasks that can be completed by a co-worker or your real estate virtual assistant? If your co-worker is spotted playing Solitaire again, tell them you could really use a hand and they’re bound to comply. After all, it’s the holidays!

5. When You’re with Family, Be with Family: Does this one need explanation? Put your phone (AKA your ball and chain) on silent during your family celebrations and free yourself from any distractions. Quality family time doesn’t happen as often as we’d like, so milk it!

There is less than two weeks left until the big day. Get all of your hard work in now so you can take the time you deserve later. If there are any pressing tasks you find yourself needing help with, contact your real estate virtual assistant and we'll help you make that weekend getaway a little more feasible. From blogging, social media, listing marketing and custom presentations, we can do just about anything.

Happy Holidays!

Lauren Wille
Marketing Coordinator