While the holidays are usually a time for rest, some might not have the luxury to do so.
If you’re one of the remote workers still expected to grind this holiday season, here are some dos and don’ts to help you get through it successfully.
Do: Plan Your Shopping Trips in Advance
Christmastime is hectic in general.
A lot of people will be shopping for their gifts and noche buena. As such, you might find yourself stuck in a mall or the grocery store buying your holiday necessities.
So, plan your shopping trips ahead of time to avoid large crowds.
Don’t: Use Your Work-from-Home (WFH) Job as an Excuse to Avoid the Holidays
Christmas and New Year celebrations are simultaneously the most joyful and stressful experiences in a Filipino household.
Why wouldn’t it be when relatives ask you invasive and awkward questions during reunions?
Still, isolating yourself during this time is not a good idea. Granted, the inherent nature of Christmas can be anxiety-inducing, but there are ways to cope.
Start by being gentle with yourself. Then, be honest about what you can and can’t do.
Don’t pressure yourself with too many expectations, especially while working remotely this holiday season.
Do: Take More Breaks Than Usual
Working remotely during Christmas can be a lot more taxing than usual. After all, your brain and body are wired to relax this time of the year.
So, take more breaks than you usually would on a regular workday.
Doing so would help lessen your chances of burning out.
Don’t: Make Unhealthy Choices
It’s so easy to overindulge during the holidays, especially for Filipinos who have access to delicious yet fatty dishes.
Thus, don’t neglect your physical health.
Yes, watch what you eat, but don’t limit yourself too much. Just focus on making healthier food choices.
Also, keep moving.
Working from home might keep you sedentary. So, take all the opportunities to walk around or exercise, even if for just a few minutes.
Lastly, don’t neglect your mental health.
Try to spend time with those you love instead of isolating yourself during the holidays.
Do: Shut Your Door
Living with immediate family members is very common in Filipino households. (Sometimes, even extended family too!)
So, can you imagine how noisy and chaotic it would sometimes be?
Not to mention, Filipinos love music and singing karaoke until late at night.
It can be understandably hard to work at home like this.
Still, try to keep your workstation clean, especially during the holidays. An organized home office also helps you focus on your tasks at work.
Find a quiet place or corner at home where you can work.
Also, don’t forget to keep your door shut.
Don’t: Be a Scrooge
Celebrations can often bring out the best or worst in people.
You have a choice of what you want to be.
What’s most important is keeping yourself happy and healthy – and not taking out any resentments on other people.
Find Your Own Time to Celebrate the Holidays
For many Filipinos, the holidays are a time of giving.
Yet, people tend to stretch themselves thin during this hectic time.
So, instead of saying yes to every invitation you get, celebrate this time of the year on your own terms.
After all, you still have to work remotely.
On that note, if you want to spend more time with your family while working, check out Remote Staff’s WFH roles. The company’s job board is regularly updated so you’re sure to find something that fits your qualifications.
Remote Staff has also been in business for 16 years (and counting)! The company has provided WFH opportunities to thousands of Filipino remote workers – you could be next.
If you want to start earning dollars while spending more time with your family this holiday season—and all without having to work abroad, register with us today!
