Working during the Christmas holidays might sound like a bummer. While everyone else is sipping eggnog, tearing into presents, or cozying up by the fireplace, you’re clocking in and getting stuff done. But let’s not dismiss it as all bad—it’s got its own perks, and the experience can even be enjoyable if you look at it from the right angle.

The Reality of Working Over Christmas

First, let’s talk about the vibe. Offices and workplaces during the holidays are way quieter. Most people are on vacation, which means fewer meetings, less noise, and a much slower pace. Depending on your job, it can even feel a little relaxing. This quiet time often lets you focus on tasks that require deep thought or planning—things that usually get buried under the chaos of a regular workday.

If you’re working in customer service or retail, though, it’s the opposite. It’s go-time, with last-minute shoppers and frantic customers. While that can be exhausting, there’s also a certain energy in the air. People are (mostly) in good spirits, and it’s a chance to connect with customers on a human level. Plus, once you’re done for the day, the satisfaction of surviving a holiday rush is real.

The Upsides of Being the Holiday MVP

1. Extra Cash
   Many companies offer holiday pay or bonuses to employees working during Christmas. That extra money can be a lifesaver for paying off gifts, treating yourself, or saving for something special.
2. Career Points
   Sticking around during the holidays shows dedication and reliability. Managers notice who steps up when others step out. It could even put you in a good position for promotions or special projects later on.
3. Networking Opportunities
   With fewer people at work, you might get more face time with leadership or colleagues you don’t usually interact with. These quieter moments can lead to meaningful conversations and connections.
4. Free Treats
   Offices that stay open during Christmas often keep things festive with free food, drinks, or even little gifts. Who doesn’t love free cookies or a surprise Secret Santa exchange?
5. A Head Start for January
   While everyone else is scrambling to get back into the groove after New Year’s, you’ll already be ahead of the game. You can use this time to clean up your inbox, plan your goals, or even tackle projects in peace.

Making the Most of It

To keep the holiday spirit alive, bring a little cheer to work with you. Wear something festive, put on a holiday playlist, or share some treats with coworkers. And don’t forget to schedule your own time to celebrate—whether it’s before or after the holiday rush.

Sure, working during the Christmas holidays might not be everyone’s dream, but it’s not all doom and gloom. The extra perks, quieter atmosphere (or exciting buzz), and sense of accomplishment can make it worth your while. And hey, the Christmas season is more about the spirit than the exact day, so you can still create your own moments of joy—whether it’s on December 25th or sometime later.

Are you working during the Christmas Holidays? Share your experience with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

Some people go through life nervous and belligerent. They start off as nervous teens and grow up to be nervous adults. A lot of these nervous teens outgrow their nervousness but a few don’t. Getting older often means more responsibilities and, sometimes, more stress. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With the right habits, you can find yourself growing calmer and more content over time. Here are 10 things you can do to cultivate inner peace:

1. Practice Deep Breathing
   Sounds simple, but it works wonders. Taking slow, deep breaths when you’re stressed helps activate your body’s relaxation response. Try a 4-7-8 pattern: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. It’s like hitting the reset button on your nerves.
2. Let Go of Perfectionism
   Nobody’s perfect, and that’s okay. Accepting that things won’t always go as planned—and that you don’t have to be flawless—can bring instant relief. Aim for progress, not perfection.
3. Spend Time in Nature
   A walk in the park or a hike in the woods isn’t just good exercise; it’s also calming. Studies show that being in nature reduces stress hormones and boosts your mood. Bonus: it’s free therapy.
4. Declutter Your Space
   Cluttered surroundings can make your mind feel cluttered too. Spend 10 minutes a day tidying up, and watch how your mood shifts. A cleaner environment often equals a calmer mind.
5. Say “No” More Often
   As you age, you realize your time and energy are precious. Don’t overcommit or agree to things out of guilt. Politely decline what doesn’t serve you, and you’ll feel much lighter.
6. Cultivate Gratitude
   Gratitude is a superpower. Writing down a few things you’re thankful for each day helps shift your focus from stress to blessings. It’s a simple way to stay grounded.
7. Set Clear Boundaries
   Whether it’s work or personal life, boundaries protect your peace. Learn to set limits on how much time and energy you give others. Remember, it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes.
8. Stay Active
   Exercise isn’t just about staying fit—it’s a stress-buster too. Even 20 minutes of walking, yoga, or dancing can calm your mind by releasing feel-good hormones like endorphins.
9. Limit Screen Time
   The endless scroll can make your mind race. Schedule tech-free moments during your day to recharge. Read a book, journal, or just enjoy the quiet.
10. Focus on What You Can Control
    Life is unpredictable, but stressing over things you can’t control is a recipe for anxiety. Instead, channel your energy into what you can change, and let the rest go.

Staying calm as you age isn’t about avoiding stress—it’s about learning to manage it better. Incorporating these habits into your daily routine can help you feel more peaceful, no matter what life throws your way. After all, isn’t calmness the real secret to growing older gracefully?

What are your tips for staying calm? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

Remote work is amazing, right? Pajamas all day, no commute, and endless snacks within arm’s reach. But, let’s be honest—remote work has a dark side no one really talks about. Don’t worry; I’m not here to crush your dreams of laptop-in-a-coffee-shop bliss. I’m here to highlight the challenges and give you solutions to crush them.

1. Loneliness Is Real

One big downside? It gets lonely. No watercooler banter, no impromptu lunches with colleagues, just you and…your plants. Over time, that isolation can sneak up and affect your mental health.

How to fix it:

• Schedule regular video chats with your team for work and casual catch-ups.
• Make an effort to meet friends or join coworking spaces a few days a week.
• Take breaks to connect with people—call a friend, join a class, or just get out of the house.

2. Work-Life Blur

When you work where you live, it’s easy for work hours to creep into your evenings and weekends. Before you know it, you’re answering emails at midnight.

How to fix it:

• Set a clear schedule and stick to it. When your day ends, log off.
• Create a designated workspace so you can physically “leave” work, even if it’s just a corner of your living room.
• Use apps to block work notifications after hours. Seriously, boundaries are your best friend.

3. Productivity Overload

Without coworkers or a manager hovering nearby, you might overcompensate by working too hard. Hello, burnout.

How to fix it:

• Prioritize tasks using tools like to-do lists or apps (hello, Asana or Todoist).
• Take regular breaks. The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes focused work, 5-minute breaks) is a game-changer.
• Stop equating your worth with productivity. You’re more than your to-do list.

4. Career Growth Stagnation

Out of sight, out of mind—remote workers can sometimes feel overlooked for promotions or new opportunities.

How to fix it:

• Over-communicate your achievements to your manager.
• Set career goals and have regular check-ins with your boss to discuss them.
• Participate in virtual team-building events and be proactive about networking online.

5. Tech Troubles & Distractions

Tech glitches and home distractions (like your cat walking on your keyboard mid-Zoom call) can wreak havoc on your day.

How to fix it:

• Invest in reliable tech and have backup options (like a mobile hotspot for internet issues).
• Set boundaries with housemates or family about your work hours.
• Noise-canceling headphones? Worth every penny.

Remote work is a blessing, but it’s not always easy. By addressing these challenges head-on, you can create a setup that works for you, not against you. Balance is the key—so build connections, set boundaries, and remember, no one’s judging if you wear pajama pants to your 9 AM meeting. As long as the camera doesn’t catch half of your outfit, you’re good! 

What do you think are the downsides to remote work? Have you experienced any? Share your stories with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

We’ve all been there: staring at a task and feeling your mind drift to everything but what you’re supposed to do. If you want to sharpen your focus and outpace the average distracted soul, it’s all about building the right habits. Here are some game-changers:

1. Start Your Day with a Purpose
Ever hit snooze five times and then scroll through your phone in bed? Yeah, that’s not the vibe. Instead, start with intention. Take five minutes to plan your day—what are your top 1–3 priorities? Knowing your “why” keeps you from wandering into the void of random tasks or social media rabbit holes.

2. Master the Art of Deep Work
Deep work is when you focus on a single task without interruptions. Block off time for this. Turn off notifications, shut the door, and commit. Even just one hour of deep work can outdo an entire day of half-hearted multitasking. Bonus tip: Use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work, 5-minute break).

3. Create a Distraction-Free Zone
Clutter on your desk? Noise around you? They’re focus killers. Keep your workspace clean, grab some noise-canceling headphones, and tell the world (nicely) to leave you alone while you’re in the zone.

4. Limit Decision Fatigue
Steve Jobs wore the same type of outfit daily to save brainpower for bigger decisions. While you don’t have to go full turtleneck-and-jeans, simplifying choices—like meal prepping or planning your week in advance—can keep your mental energy intact for what really matters.

5. Take Brain Breaks
Ironically, one of the best ways to stay focused is to step away for a bit. Regular breaks (even just 5–10 minutes) help reset your brain and prevent burnout. Walk, stretch, or just stare at the clouds—it’s not wasted time.

6. Fuel Your Brain Wisely
Caffeine is a focus booster, but balance it with water to avoid the crash. Eat foods rich in omega-3s (hello, salmon and walnuts!) and don’t skip meals—hunger and focus are mortal enemies.

7. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness isn’t just about yoga poses and zen gardens. It’s about being fully present in what you’re doing. Spend a few minutes daily focusing on your breath or simply observing your thoughts. This trains your mind to stay in the moment.

8. Sleep Like You Mean It
Nothing kills focus like sleep deprivation. Aim for 7–8 hours of good-quality sleep. Create a bedtime routine, ditch screens before bed, and watch how much sharper you feel.

9. Say No More Often
Being a people-pleaser is a focus killer. Learn to say no to tasks or invitations that don’t align with your goals. Every “yes” to distractions is a “no” to your priorities.

10. Reflect and Adjust
At the end of the day, review what worked and what didn’t. Small tweaks to your habits can make a massive difference in long-term focus.

Focus isn’t about being a robot; it’s about training your brain to work smarter, not harder. Start small, build these habits, and watch your productivity soar while everyone else scrolls Instagram. 

Do you have any tips on how to keep your focus? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

Finding your tribe – those people who truly get you, have your back, and make you feel seen – can be life-changing. It’s all about building a network of friends who genuinely support you, share your values, and want to see you succeed. While it might seem like finding these people should happen naturally, a little intentionality can go a long way in creating a community that lifts you up.

1. Start with Self-Discovery

Before you go out searching for “your people,” take a moment to understand who you are. What are your core values? What interests light you up? When you’re clear about your own identity, it’s much easier to connect with people who vibe with the real you. Plus, the more authentic you are, the more likely you’ll attract genuine connections.

2. Embrace Your Interests

One of the easiest ways to meet like-minded friends is by pursuing activities you’re passionate about. Love books? Join a book club. Are you into fitness? Hit up a yoga class or sign up for a local running group. Shared interests make a solid foundation for building connections, and you’re more likely to meet people who share your enthusiasm for life. Don’t be afraid to explore new hobbies too – it’s a great way to expand your social circles.

3. Engage in Group Activities

Sometimes, putting yourself out there in a group setting can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the best ways to meet a range of new people at once. Look for local events, classes, or meet-ups in your area. Sites like Meetup or community boards can help you find activities that match your interests. Remember, everyone else is likely looking to connect too, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation!

4. Show Up Consistently

Building meaningful friendships takes time, so show up consistently. Attend regular events or activities where you’re likely to see the same people. Familiarity breeds connection – the more you show up, the more natural it’ll feel to start chatting and building friendships. Make an effort to follow up, too. Send a text after meeting someone interesting or invite them to an upcoming event.

5. Be Open and Vulnerable

Authenticity goes both ways. Don’t be afraid to be a little vulnerable – share a bit about yourself, your challenges, or your dreams. When you open up, you create space for others to do the same. This builds trust and can help deepen friendships faster. Just remember to respect others’ boundaries and meet them where they’re comfortable.

6. Practice Generosity

Supporting others is the foundation of a strong tribe. Offer help when you can, celebrate your friends’ wins, and be there for them during tough times. When you give without expecting anything in return, you create a positive energy that people naturally want to be around. Generosity and kindness are magnets for authentic connections.

7. Stay Patient and Positive

Finding the right people isn’t always immediate, and that’s okay! Sometimes you’ll meet people who don’t quite fit, but that’s part of the process. Keep putting yourself out there, stay true to yourself, and trust that your tribe is out there. A positive, open attitude makes you approachable and helps you enjoy the journey.

In the end, finding your tribe is about creating a community where you and your friends feel supported, uplifted, and encouraged to be yourselves. So get out there, be open, and remember: the right people are looking for you, too! Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp