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Preparing for winter holidays seem to start with some timeless traditions: the local radio stations become endless Christmas songs, your neighbors’ electricity bill doubles from exterior lights, and you pull your decorations from the attic. One thing seems to have changed in the past few years, and that is the increased demand of goods and products that we expect to be on our doorstep or readily available in store almost immediately.
While we scroll, select and purchase gifts for our loved ones in the comfort of our homes, there are associates reacting to every swipe and checkout within minutes to assure we get our Game of Thrones series collection or Baby Yoda plush toys as quickly as possible (seriously, how cute is Baby Yoda?). Now, multiply you by thousands or millions and imagine how many associates it takes to service everyone all across the world to make sure we get Santa’s gifts ready for the big day. Sounds exhausting right? If you happen to be one of Santa’s helpers this holiday season, here are some tips on how to stay healthy for the holidays.
Elf health comes first
For all of Santa’s associates working hard this holiday season in distribution centers and retail stores, no one needs to tell you this is the busiest you will be all year. Being worked harder and faster longer period of times is sure enough to lead to sprains, strains and pain. Squatting for boxes and constantly taping and packaging can inflame muscles and slow you down, something your employers (and Santa) want to avoid at all cost. So how do you help Santa? By helping yourself.
You understand your job expectations. If you are expected to be using your hands a lot, come up with a list of stretches so you don’t experience numbness, tingling or burning when production begins to pick up. If you’re one of the strong elves than you may be tasked with picking up smart TVs and other large packages. It's most important for you to never bend over at the waist during this duty; always squat down, grasp the item and lift with the strength of your base. Even before your shift starts and after, be sure to follow any company procedures for warm-up stretches that will help you avoid nagging injuries on the job.
If you follow simple procedures like these to avoid disrupting your health and keep you on track for being named associate of the month in December; Santa will surely take notice of an achievement such as that.
Santa has always relied on dispatching associate elves to drive delivery trucks all over the world to help spread cheer through gift sharing. This requires a lot of hand movement navigating icy roads, lifting those same heavy packages and enduring the elements. Like those wrapping the gifts, keep your hands and arms stretched and ready for long days of reaching and driving. Make sure your trucks are safe, ice is not covering any steps or walk-spaces and you have spare dry clothing to change into in case the elements are harsh and imposing. These small steps can help prevent aches and pains, falls and keeping your skin and body healthy by avoiding damp clothing in cold weather, which keeps you working and bringing joy to those in your neighborhoods.
In the early days of the holiday season, mentally map out your journey over the next few weeks: know your shifts, your breaks, days off and plan to give yourself rest as much as possible to avoid burnout, exhaustion and illness or injury. Setting these expectations may help ease the stress of working in a fast paced environment where some consumers may not be as thankful as others. Don’t worry though, those people are just earning another lump of coal.
So in the end, know that hard work as an associate of Santa Claus does not go unnoticed, and the production value of any associate brings millions of people closer together during the holidays. If you yourself are an associate of Santa, be sure to give yourself kudos for your sacrifice and effort, the holidays wouldn’t be the same without the miraculous effort provided by you. Stay happy, stay healthy and have a pleasant holiday season.
