With the holidays upon us I'm guessing that many of you, like me, are juggling your work responsibilities with your holiday tasks. If we are not careful, holiday activities can cause us to go from zestful to stressful.

When leaders start to show signs of stress, it affects the entire team. Just think about what happens to your productivity and job satisfaction when you have to work around someone who is stressed out and grouchy. And if that person happens to be your boss, everything is intensified. You begin to feel unappreciated, which zaps your energy, creativity, and productivity.

It's important to remember that many team members are experiencing their own holiday demands and they are dealing with their own stress levels. This time of year they need all the extra support they can get. If you can help decrease employee stress by providing employees a little extra shopping time or holiday prep time, great! As leaders we should, at a minimum, work to decrease our own stress. If we are full of positive energy, it will transfer to those around us. The holidays are supposed to be a time of peace, joy, celebration, and reflection. So, how are you feeling right now? I hope it's a combination of peaceful, joyous, celebrative, and reflective.

• Be realistic about what you will get done for the holidays. Example: If you're staying up until 3:00 a.m. to get your holiday cards done, maybe you're sending out too many cards.
• Let go of stressful traditions. Example: If you find shopping to be relaxing, then this time of year is probably therapeutic for you. If, however, you are missing the shopping gene like me, consider using reputable online stores. No crowds, circling for parking spaces or getting out of your PJs!
• Allow others to help. This may mean letting go of perfection. Example: Let the kids or grandkids decorate the tree (and don't redecorate it when they are out of sight!)
• Stay healthy. Example: A 15-30 minute walk each day can provide you a little physical exercise AND an important break for your brain!
• Learn to say no. Example: If you are active in numerous organizations like a religious institution, professional association, community service organization, etc., limit your commitments. You can't do it all - let others take a turn with the volunteer activities.