Note: This post is part of a 5 part series titled Your Holiday Survival Guide. At the end of this article, you’ll be directed to the next 4 articles.
Holiday office party season is a worry for many women as when they first go through a holiday season of going beyond the food. However, surviving the office party isn’t as difficult as you think. Fear no more!
So it’s time for that end-of-the-year celebration – the holiday office party. Whether your office offers a small drop-in with treats and holiday punch, or a huge formal bash that pulls out all of the stops, staying true to yourself and your own choices during the holiday festivities can be a challenge for you to stick to your true self.
How can you enjoy your holiday party without getting into trouble? Here are some strategies that are both practical and doable.
Fun off… Have fun!
More than anything, the holiday office party is about connecting with your co-workers and celebrating the season. Keep your momentum going when it comes to wellness by emphasizing the connections first not the food.
Plan to connect with all your close co-worker and connect heart to heart. Inquire about their personal life, kids, family… what they do outside of work. Create connections that will take you beyond work-based relationship.
Important Tip on Surviving the Office Party: Avoid Excess Alcohol
It is really just not a good idea to indulge in alcohol at any event associated with work anyway since alcohol consumption can lead to all kinds of other issues with coworkers, etc. Remember that above all, this is still your job and you don’t want to risk doing something that you’ll regret. It’s really best to just say “no” or stay within moderation. If there’s pressure to have something in your hand, then try a non-alcoholic drink. No one has to be the wiser.
Bring Your Own to the Holiday Office Party
This is really great for potluck meals which are so common for workplace holiday gatherings. Bring something really wonderful but healthy that will have everyone talking. Treats are something we can all agree on! You don’t have to be a gourmet chef – try picking up a box of pre-made chocolate treats or some super tasty jerky and be the talk of the office. There’s strength in numbers, and you might find that you start a trend by exposing your officemates to some molasse cookies !
Keep Your Hands Busy at the Holiday Office Party
This one sound crazy, but it really works. Carry an empty plate or cup of ice water around with you at the party so that you have something in your hands. Our hands tend to get bored and we fill them with food in order to decrease our nerves or to find a way to fill some empty time. Keep your hands busy with something else and you’ll be less likely to eat without thinking.
Organize it!
Perhaps the best strategy for surviving the office party is to step up and lend a hand in the organizing of the holiday party. This way you’ll be able to steer the food towards healthier fare, not to mention being a good co-worker by contributing to the improved health of your fellow employees! Ok – this one requires you to go way above and beyond, but the pay-off is a much easier time for you at the event.
Speak Honestly at the Holiday Office Party
Just talk about why you’re avoiding junk food at the holiday office party. Explain to your coworkers that you’re committed to a healthy lifestyle. Being honest is also going to hold you to a seriously high level of accountability, so if you tell your coworker that you’re avoiding her chocolate marshmallow Christmas log, it’s your choice! Be careful not to preach – answer honestly when asked.. Answer questions, but don’t steer the conversation towards the topic. Your commitment to self care will inspire others and will help you to feel great about your choices!
More than anything, the holiday office party is about connecting with your co-workers and celebrating the season. Keep your momentum going when it comes to wellness by emphasizing the connections not the food.
Next: The Holiday Survival Guide
This post is part of a 5 part series titled Your Holiday Survival Guide. Continue your journey and take the next step in reading:
Teaching Good Holiday Eating Habits to Kids
The critical importance of self-care during the holiday period
Must do during the holiday: Stress Management and dealing with negative family members.