Time management may help reduce holiday stress, balance work: 12/7

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Time management may help reduce holiday stress, balance work

by Susan Johnson
Office of Health Promotion

Time management strategies can help reduce stress associated with finding the correct balance between work, family, shopping and down time. Here are seven time–management tips that will help you get the important things done and reduce holiday stress:

Try single-tasking: Jumping from task to task can actually waste time and multi-tasking can lower productivity by as much as 40 percent. For the best approach to managing time, resist the allure to jump around and stick to one thing at a time.
Prioritize: When calendars are overbooked, start cutting from the bottom and take things off. There are only 24 hours in the day, so cross off anything that can wait until tomorrow or after the holidays.
Make time for yourself: Every day, block personal time. Even 20 minutes away from social media, phone calls, internet and work can do wonders for reducing stress.
Make the most of waits: Holidays mean lots of time waiting in lines or traffic. Make the most of this time by working on a to-do list or use that time for a five-minute break. That will help take the stress out of what would normally be "wasted time."
Plan for work and play: For most people, if it's not on the calendar it doesn't get done. So schedule important tasks as well as personal activities.
Leave extra time: Add padding between appointments, especially during the holidays. Tasks will sometimes take longer than scheduled so extra time will reduce the stress of always running late for the next appointment.
Say no: When declining an invitation, be sure to send regrets and well wishes. Reschedule work meetings at a mutually convenient time after the holidays. Above all, make time for what matters this holiday season – family, friends and good health.

For more information on how to deal with holiday stress, sign up for a free session from 5 to 5:30 p.m., Dec. 11 in Room 501 of the Children's Hospital. To register, email maguirel@musc.edu.

Employee Wellness events

Wellness Wednesday: Stop by the Children's Hospital lobby from 11 a.m. to noon, Dec. 12, for information on focusing on sleep and alcohol awareness.
Zumba at Harborview Office Tower: Join licensed Zumba instructor Felecia Curry for a weekly Wednesday night Zumba class from 5 to 6 p.m. in Room 302, Harborview Office Tower. Zumba is a dance-based aerobic exercise class, and Curry tailors the workout to accommodate any fitness level. Space is limited. Email curryf@musc.edu for information or to register.
Mobile mammograms: The Hollings Cancer Center mobile van will conduct mammograms from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 12 behind the Clyburn Research Building, off President Street. Call 792-0878 to schedule an appointment.
Final worksite screening for 2012: This screening, valued at about $350, is available to employees with the State Health Plan for $15 (covered spouses can also participate for $15). Employees and spouses without this insurance can participate for $42. The screening includes: height, weight, blood pressure and a blood draw for a blood chemistry profile, hemogram, and a blood lipid profile. The screening will take place from 7 to 11 a.m., Dec. 13 at the Wellness Center auditorium. To register, go to www.musc.edu/employeewellness and click on "Worksite Screening."

MUSC Urban Farm

Work and Learns: The topic is "Preparing for winter and planning for spring." The event will take place from noon to 1 p.m., Dec. 11. Take home some fresh produce in return for work efforts on the farm. Please bring water and sunscreen, and wear closed-toe shoes.
On Dec. 15 the work and learn, held from 9 to 11 a.m., will include child-friendly activities. Email urbanfarm@musc.edu to register. The event is open to the community.
Early-bird maintenance: Maintenance on the farm will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Dec. 11 and 12.

Contact Johnson, Ph.D., at johnsusa@musc.edu for more information on the Office of Health Promotion at MUSC.

For information on Employee Wellness, contact Suzan Benenson Whelan at whela@musc.edu.

Friday, Dec. 7, 2012

The Catalyst Online is published weekly by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to The Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.