Top Five Ways to Fight the Holiday Blues Away from Home
As a medical traveler, you may find yourself away months of every year. But, traveling during the holidays can be a bit more challenging. Sometimes traveling increases your stress level, leading to problems sleeping, poor eating habits, and discouragement. Combined with the holiday season, the extra eating and poor sleeping may pack on a few more pounds than you'd hoped for.
Don't despair! You have strategies at your fingertips that will banish the holiday blues and keep your health and holiday goals on track for the New Year.
Do Something with Your Family
It's always helpful to get letters and care packages from loved ones at home, but starting your own travel traditions that require interactions from both parties can create a sense of connection with your family. For instance, you might record a favorite holiday story or create an ornament to send home those family members. This becomes a cherished memory and keepsake.
In this digital age, you have a unique opportunity to share experiences, almost like you were together. In past years you may have "watched" a television program on the phone together, but today, with video chat, you and your loved ones can enjoy a holiday lighting event, a cup of hot cocoa or holiday carolers like you are in the same city. If you're planning to share an exceptional holiday event, try out the video chat feature on your phone first to be sure all goes smoothly at the right time.
Don't Ditch Digital Media
Some may find it challenging to see pictures of loved ones at home during the holidays when they can't participate, but social media can also offer a way to connect with fellow travelers across the country. Facebook groups share ideas of coping during the holidays, offering each other support, and helping grow a network of friends you may someday be working with.
Seek Out the Company of Others
It is essential to maintain as many of your family traditions as possible since doing things as you normally would is comforting. Consider inviting your friends or neighbors over to help decorate or share a glass of hot apple cider. You might be surprised by the number of people living around you who have little to no family with whom to celebrate the holidays. It's also likely there are other travelers at your facility who may be alone. Connect with human resources to find travelers who may be interested in getting together.
Take Time to Engage in the Community
Make plans to spend the holiday with friends or co-workers, volunteer at a local soup kitchen, or spend time with members of your religious group. Take time to learn about the traditions and customs of the people in your area and share those with your family back home. This is another opportunity to use video chat to share the traditions of the people in your new city.
Practice Taking Care of Yourself
Everyone feels worse when they are run down and tired. You'll experience a mental boost when you take care of yourself - eating healthy, getting at least 8 hours of quality sleep, and practicing stress-reducing activities. Many people enjoy getting monthly massages, taking a hot bath, or practicing yoga. Regular exercise, even when you're spending 8 hours a day on your feet, helps to reduce your stress and promotes quality sleep. In combination, these activities help improve your mood overall.
Are You Ready for an Adventure?
You can make your holidays less stressful by planning exciting activities, staying busy, and keeping your mind occupied. Engage in celebrations with people around you, whether they're locals or other traveling professionals.
As a traveling professional, you are an adventurer, seeing the world and getting paid to do it. At GetMed Staffing, our expert recruiters are here to help you find an assignment that meets your needs. Call us today! We are excited to begin working with you!