Help for the Holiday Hangover

January 4, 2018      |      Posted on Posted in Total Well-Being
Help for the Holiday Hangover

It’s January. Everyone has over-eaten, over-spent and over-indulged for the last month, leading to the dreaded holiday hangover. Here are some tips to get back on track in the new year.

The Money Hangover

Gifts and parties and travel add up, and all the festivities may have strained bank accounts and credit cards in the process. Here’s how to rein in spending and improve finances at the beginning of the year.

  1. Stop the excessive spending now. Try eating in and packing lunches whenever possible. Wear clothes already owned. Play games and watch movies at home for entertainment instead of going out.
  2. Take a financial snapshot. What was the total cost of the holiday season? How much debt needs to be paid off?
  3. Create a plan for recovery. Contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for financial consultation, resources and referrals to improve financial wellness.

The Well-Being Hangover

Ham, pie, cookies, potatoes and eggnog, late nights and skipped workouts. After a season of indulging and less healthy habits, it’s time to refocus on health and well-being.

  1. Set a SMART health goal. This could be gaining muscle, losing weight, eating more vegetables or sticking to an exercise routine. Then set a time frame to accomplish the goal: three months, six months or the entire year with smaller milestone goals along the way.
  2. Get more sleep. Most people don’t get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep every night, especially during the busy holiday season. Create a bedtime routine to go to bed on time and get enough sleep to be rejuvenated.
  3. Contact the EAP for total well-being resources, from stress management tips to fitness referrals.

The Hangover Habit

Does it feel like this happens every January? If so, here are some ways to prevent the holiday hangover from happening again next season.

  1. Set a holiday budget. Evaluate how much was spent this past season and set a reasonable spending goal for this year.
  2. Continue healthy habits through the holidays. A lot of people set resolutions and start well-being plans in January, but many good intentions don’t last through December. Use the first of each month throughout the year as a prompt to kick-start motivation again.
  3. Enlist help from a friend, family member, coworker or professional. The EAP can provide connection to services and resources to help everyone thrive.

Start the year off right and avoid the holiday hangover next year. For additional total well-being resources, contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by ACI Specialty Benefits at 800.932.0034 or eapinfo@acispecialtybenefits.com.