HealthyLife Articles

Tag: delegate

Prevent Hosting Stress

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Gathering together with friends and family creates treasured memories. But hosting those gatherings can be stressful. Here’s how to create a fun get-together without all the worry.

Plan ahead

It’s never too early to start making to-do lists and shopping lists for upcoming gatherings. Keep paper handy to jot down things as you think of them, or have a list on your phone. The bigger the group, the sooner you should start planning.

Don’t reinvent

Every get-together doesn’t have to be completely different from the last one. Reuse ideas, recipes, games, and decorations that worked well previous times. It’s OK to make the same dishes at holidays or parties. People will look forward to it.

Delegate

It’s better to delegate tasks to others than spend days leading up to the gathering stressing out about every detail. Ask your partner or children to pitch in on specific jobs. Enlist friends and family to bring parts of the meal. Be proactive about engaging help.

Let go of perfection

Throwing a good party can be very rewarding. But, if you’re too stressed to enjoy it, you’ll be the one missing out. Remember your friends and family are coming to be together, and that’s the most important thing. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Prioritize yourself

Don’t let all the hustle and bustle wear you out. Schedule a few relaxing blocks of time leading up to the event. Go for a walk in your favorite park, sit down with a book, or call and chat with a friend. On the day of the gathering, prioritize getting showered, dressed, and feeling your best.

Get in the mix

Once the party starts, let yourself enjoy it. Join a game, mingle with your guests, and be sure to sit down for the meal. Plan your gathering so that most of the work ends once everyone arrives, and you can be present for the memories.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Overwhelmed At Work? How To Handle It

WORK LIFE

No matter what your job, you’re bound to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Whether you have new responsibilities, are worried about a certain project, or just have too much on your plate, it’s normal to feel the pressure occasionally. Though you may not be able to change what’s causing these feelings, you can find ways to deal with these situations in a healthy way.

Jot it down.

If your mind is swimming with a list of to-dos, put it on paper. Sometimes seeing the list can help you come up with a plan to get it done. You can figure out what needs to be done first, and then you have a starting point.

Take a break from work when you’re off-duty.

If your life revolves around the buzzing of your phone with emails and work demands, try to take some time each day to turn it off. You may find you feel more relaxed and ready to focus when you return to work.

Start with just one step.

If a huge project feels too difficult to start, then just think about the first thing you need to do. It can be something minor, such as sending an email or writing down a task list. Every big project begins with one step. Consider what needs to be done right now, and do that first. Once you get started, it may be easier to keep going.

Talk to your supervisor.

If possible, bring up your main concerns to your boss. Be specific about your problem, and focus on what you can do to help solve it. For instance, if you have too many tasks, tell them what you are able to do in the time you have, and suggest alternate ways to get the rest done. Perhaps you can ask for more time to get a project done. Or, see if you can delegate the task to a co-worker.

An organized desk gives you control

If you’re feeling buried at work, look in front of you. A messy desk can create more stress and anxiety. Clean up your space by:

* Going through papers as you get them, rather than letting them pile up

* Creating a “pending” or “in progress” folder for things you need to do

* Clean up your space before you leave each day

* Put things back as soon as you’re done using them

A tidy desk can brighten your outlook and boost your productivity.

Source: American Psychological Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
6 Ways To Boost Productivity

WORK LIFE

When you feel productive, getting tasks done can seem effortless. But, productivity often doesn’t happen on its own. Boost productivity and crush your to-do list.

Cut out distractions

Silence your phone and turn off email notifications. Give yourself 15 to 30 minutes of uninterrupted work at a time. Check your phone or take a stretch break every time you finish a work block.

Write goals down

Take a moment in the morning to write a clear to-do list. Focus on the things you must get done, not wishful thinking. A clear goal is more likely to be achieved.

Break tasks up

Instead of trying to tackle the whole project at once, break it up into smaller tasks. Each piece should feel manageable, making the entire project easier to achieve from start to finish.

Collaborate

Team meetings may seem like a time-waster, but in reality, collaborating with others boosts productivity. Regular check-ins keep everyone on track and hold you accountable for getting positive results.

Take a break

Working pedal to the metal is a recipe for burnout. Regular breaks refresh and energize you making you more productive in the long run. A 10-minute break every hour is a reasonable goal.

Move more

Physical activity during the workday can make you more productive. Movement increases alertness and energy. Try a standing desk, stretching, or walking breaks to get the blood flowing.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026