Sending You Warmth & A Yummy Cocktail this Holiday Season
Season’s Greetings from VOS!
written by Sarah Rogers
It’s hard to believe 2023 is right around the corner! We know December can be a busy time of year for our advisors and their clients. Here at VOS, we believe in the power of a healthy work-life balance (yes, even during the holidays!), so we put together a few quick tips on how to stay at the top of your game during the year-end crunch time:
Go for a walk.
It’s easy to forego exercising when life gets too busy, but keep in mind that 15 minutes of easy cardio in the morning can reduce stress and release endorphins, giving you clarity of mind and the boost you need to get through the day. Whether it’s a brisk walk or some easy yoga, be sure to take some time every morning to treat your mind and body right.
Drink more water.
One of the first things most of us reach for when we’re burning the midnight oil is a fresh cup of coffee or a cold soda, but diet soda or coffee without sugary creamers can dehydrate our bodies, leaving us more lethargic than we were before. If you’re going to push through those long work hours with the help of caffeine, be sure to drink a glass of water for every caffeinated cup you consume. Your body will thank you.
Avoid sugary snacks.
“But it’s the holidays,” you say, “This is when I’m allowed to eat sugary snacks!” We know, we know. But knowing that this season brings ample opportunities for indulging in sweet treats, try to be mindful of your snacking habits while at work. Keep only healthy snacks at your desk, leave those Christmas cookies from a client in the breakroom so you won’t be tempted to munch on them while working, and try to save those holiday cocktails for upcoming parties or special nights with the family.
Take time for yourself.
The holidays can be a stressful time both in and outside of work. Even when you’re not checking in with your clients and helping them get organized with annual financial plan reviews and RMD calculations, you’re juggling holiday shopping, cooking, traveling or preparing for visiting family, and maybe even shoveling snow! When work is finished for the day, it may feel like you barely step foot out of the office before you’re reminded of all the holiday “chores” yet to be done. This is where it’s important to take a moment to yourself. Mute your phone, turn off your computer, lean back in your chair, and just take a few moments to breathe deeply and clear your mind. Your morning walk or yoga routine is also a good time to do this.
And hey, remember those holiday cocktails we mentioned? Here’s a recipe for when you’re finally ready to kick back and enjoy some holiday spirits!
This recipe was originally published by Sandra Lee on www.foodnetwork.com.
Santa's Sleigh Cocktail
Recipe courtesy of Sandra Lee
Show: Semi-Homemade Cooking; Episode: Christmas
Level: Easy
Total: 7 min
Prep: 7 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
White sugar crystals, preferably coarse
2 cups store-bought eggnog, chilled
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
4 cinnamon sticks
Directions:
Dampen the rims of 4 martini glasses and then line the rims with sugar crystals.
Combine eggnog, brandy, amaretto, nutmeg, and ice cream in a blender; process until smooth. Pour mixture into martini glasses and garnish each glass with a whole cinnamon stick.