These are the greenest cities in the United States

These are the greenest cities in the United StatesThese are the greenest cities in the United StatesNew data from WalletHub shows that San Diego, California is the greenest city in the country, with a score of 72.53 out of 100.The company took a look at the 100 cities with the most people, in terms of four factors Energy Sources, Environment, Lifestyle Policy and Transportation.Then, they analyzed those in terms of 26 other factors before eventually giving each city a score of 100. WalletHub also used information from the U.S. Census Bureau, among many other sources.Check out Americas top 10 green citiesHere they are1) San Diego, CA (total score 72.53)2) San Francisco, CA (total score 72.14)3) Washington, DC (total score 70.39)4) Irvine, CA (total score 68.97)5) San Jose, CA (total score 68.69)6) Honolulu, HI (total score 68.41)7) Fremont, CA (total score 67.59)8) Seattle, WA (total score 66.91)9) Sacramento, CA (total score 66.06)10) Portland, OR (total score 65.19)Source WalletHub Check out Americas bottom 10 green cities91) Gilbert, AZ (total score 42.21)92) Cleveland, OH (total score 42.02)93) Mesa, AZ (total score 41.97)94) Lexington-Fayette, KY (total score 41.83)95) Detroit, MI (total score 41.57)96) Memphis, TN (total score 40.98)97) Toledo, OH (total score 40.31)98) St. Louis, MO (total score 39.53)99) Corpus Christi, TX (total score 36.53)100) Baton Rouge, LA (total score 36.07)How the cities compare to each otherThis infographic illustrates the different strengths and weaknesses of different cities on the listHeres how to live with the environment in mindDont worry- this is easier than you might think.Stephanie Hayes Richards, managing principal of Gnarly Tree Sustainability Institute, told WalletHub about simple, cost-effective ways people can be mora eco-friendly in their daily lives.Some easy ways individuals can reduce their environmental impact while saving money include turning lights off any time you leave a room for more than one minute, ins talling energy efficient lighting, trying to keep your thermostat around 78 degrees in summer and 68 degrees in winter, avoiding the purchase of bottled water, turning down the water heater setting to 120 degrees, taking shorter showers, buying house supplies in bulk, trying to eat vegetarian protein sources at least a couple meals each week, and combining weekly errands as much as possible to reduce gas usage, she said.

5 Must-Read Books Written by Your Favorite Supermodels

5 Must-Read Books Written by Your Favorite Supermodels5 Must-Read Books Written by Your Favorite SupermodelsIts no secret that manytop models lead double lives. When they arent strutting their stuff, they go to college, run charities, start businesses, teach yoga, mentor children, record singles, spend time with their little ones- the list goes on and on. But did you know that some models are also bestselling authors?Its true.Some of the worlds top models have taken the time out of their busy lives to share their thoughts on everything from life, love, and modeling to becoming a more beautiful person, both inside and out. Whether you read one or read them all, these books are sure to boost your confidence, give you valuable insight into the modeling industry, and help you become the best model you can be. Kate Moss - Kate The Kate Moss BookYou saveBuy from Amazon At 447 pages, this is the ultimate retrospective of all things Kate Moss. Written by the model herself, it traces her evol ution from new girl with potential to one of the most iconic models of all time. The book includes many never-before-seen images from Kates career and personal life and also features many iconic photographs by Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, Terry Richardson, Hedi Slimane, and other world-renowned photographers. The Kate Moss Book was released with eight different covers, each representing a different era in her career, and will be shipped to customers at random.

Pursue an MBA or Join the Workforce 5 Reasons Why Working for a Startup Might Be the Answer

Pursue an MBA or Join the Workforce 5 Reasons Why Working for a Startup Might Be the Answer Pursue an MBA or Join the Workforce 5 Reasons Why Working for a Startup Might Be the Answer When college graduates survey theirfutures, fruchtwein face a tough decision Should Ijump into the workforce or continue myeducation?While no job can exactlysimulate the grit it takes to pursue an MBA or the experience gained from the process, Id argue that you can find similar opportunities for learning and growth inside the doors of a startup.Startups bring together unique sets of individuals, ranging from up-and-comers to seasoned veterans and everyone in between. Passion and enthusiasm are part of the everyday lives of most startup employees. Rarely is there any shortage of opportunities for employees to stretch beyond their comfort zones and learn more.Ive spenttime conversing with dozens of prospective employees about the ups and downs of working at a startup, and it has become increasingly clea r to me how and why startups provide not onlyfulfilling work, but also opportunities for growth.Here are five ways that working at a startup can giveyou both experience and education sometimes similar to what youd learn in a classroom, and sometimes even better.1. YoullFind a Career PathWhen you work at a startup, you never wear one hat. Startup recruits must leave rigidity at the door and prepare to dive into whole new sets of experiences. Working at a startup gives you the opportunity to solidify or experiment with your career path. A lot ofcross-collaboration occurs between kollektivs, and on-the-go feedback happens so regularly that you have the opportunity to learn at a very quick pace from your managers and peers every day.2. Youll Learn to Spot the Macro TrendsIn most MBA programs, a great emphasis is placed on the ability to spot macro trends i.e., the factorsdriving innovation and next-generation thinking in the world around you. When youre in the weeds at a startup, you ll naturally begin to adopt asimilar mindset. At a startup, you have to innovate often and stay on top of the trends driving consumption of your product or service. Youre forced to look outside your bubble and into your surroundings, which will challenge you to rethink the way you look at your industry and its pain points.3. Youll Gain Real Business ExperienceBusiness schools aim to help students learn the basics of finances, lead predictions, and forecasting resources and models. But when you work at a startup, youll constantly depend on these models and learn to adapt as things change rapidly. Eventually it all becomes second nature.MBA students are often tasked with designing entire businesses. Sometimes, these designs even lead to grants or awards that allow them to actually follow through with their plans. At early-stage startups, youre given a similar opportunity with no personal debt. Youll find yourself conversing with colleagues and your gruppe about how to build a busines s, how to monetize for the long run, and how to survive financially. You really learn how to look at a company holistically.Related At a Startup, the Sky Is the Limit4. YoullBuild a Strong NetworkSimilar to attending an MBA program where all the students are pursuing the same degree, working at a startup has a bonding effect. You and your colleagues are working toward the same goals, and when it comes down to it, you all want whats best for the company. There are plenty ofopportunities for networking and establishing relationships that will benefit you for years to come.At BetterWorks, for example, we host monthly lunch and learns where employees have the chance to hear from and interact with top executives and industry leaders. Startups are great places to build powerful networks of people whocan really impact your career in the future.5. Youll Learn From the BestI can think of few other jobs where you have direct access to business leaders with years of experience. While startups are technically young companies, the people who grow them have been through so much and can impart a lot of knowledge. You may be able to talk to experienced leaders at other jobs or in your MBA program, but at a startup, youll be working alongside top executives. Youll have a direct line when you have questions or want to learn more about something.Startups attract a certain crowd. The startup mentality one full of enthusiasmand vigor is contagious, and working for a startup can give you a platform to pursue whatever youre most passionate about. Whether youre uncertain about the next steps in your career or craving the opportunity to learn and grow, you can expect to be stretched and changed when you join a startup.Tamara Cooksey was part of the founding team at BetterWorks, where she leads people operations.

Workplace Communication

Workplace CommunicationWorkplace Communication

Turns out the get your 10,000 steps in a day thing isnt a thing at all

Turns out the get your 10,000 steps in a day thing isnt a thing at allTurns out the get your 10,000 steps in a day thing isnt a thing at allGetting in 10,000 steps a day to stay healthy is a big myth.If you find yourself trying to squeeze in midday walks to reach that long thought magic number to stay healthy, it turns out you can walk more than half of those steps to lower the risk of dying, according to a new study.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe marketable numberResearch published by JAMA Internal Medicine looked at elderly women (median age of 72) and found that around 4,400 steps per day lowered the mortality rate compared to those not as active.The study, which tallied step totals and mortality rates for 16,000 women, likened the 10,000 step goal to marketing efforts by fitness brands. Many popular items like Fitbit and other products encourage users to reach 10,000 st eps a day, but the study said it likely derives from the name of a pedometer stop by a Japanese company in 1965.Of course, no single study stands alone. But our work continues to make the case for the importance of physical activity, coauthor I-Min Lee said in a statement. Clearly, even a modest number of steps was related to lower mortality rate among these older women. We hope these findings provide encouragement for individuals for whom 10,000 steps a day may seem unattainable.Keep walkingWhile not reaching the 10,000-step plateau isnt necessarily bad, not being as active has its consequences. The study found those who averaged 2,700 steps daily had the greatest risk of death while finding that increasing your step count does, in fact, decrease the risk of death.The results were tracked by having participants wear devices for around four years.Taking 10,000 steps a day can sound daunting. But we find that even a modest increase in steps taken is tied to significantly lower mortal ity in older women, added Lee. Our study adds to a growing understanding of the importance of physical activity for health, clarifies the number of steps related to lower mortality and amplifies the message Step more even a little more is helpful.Luckily for Americans, the studies new findings align with what Americans average daily. A recent study by Stanford University found that Americans average 4,774 steps daily.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from jngste Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Designer Resume Reviews & Tips

Designer Resume Reviews & Tips A Huge array of designer resume template makes it easy and possible that you produce the collection of the perfect resume. Most web design pros wish to demonstrate how great they are with graphics whenever feasible jump the shark by deciding on a graphics-heavy resume template. Other designer resume samples can be found on the netz and might have useful tips. An internet designer who is searching for employment in his field demands an exceptionally well designed resume. Your upcoming employer can think that its a little childish to have a whole rainbow of color on your resume. Whether or not you are searching for experienced or fresher graphic designer resume, the internet always has the choice to offer you best satisfaction when it regards the choice of designer resumes. Theres no greater place to understand how you should write a nice and competitive resume, then by searching on the internet. Since you may probably know, there are various stages of writing a resume and in order to acquire very good outcomes, you are going to have to adhere to each one very carefully. A user-experience (UX) designer has to have a clear comprehension of business targets and user behavior, and be proficient in a broad selection of skills, which range from psychology to design and technology. Computer-aided drafting, also called CAD, is still a huge portion of several architectural firms. 20 real examples will demonstrate how to describe your experience and compose a professional resume. Rumors, Deception and Designer Resume Many businesses only utilize one or two so being well versed in various tools are useful in applying for over 1 position. Take into consideration the simple fact that the employers might have to read even hundreds of resumes and pick only 1 person and make yours a distinctive paper. If youre applying for several jobs, you should create many resumes, each targeting a particular role and the type of knowledge and skills the prospective employers are interested in. So whether youre attempting to get freelance projects or locate a steady position with a huge company, its apparent that you should entice the eye of clients and employers. Conclusion When you should prepare for an architectural designer job, reading a comprehensive job description will assist in expanding your understanding of the duties and obligations of the position. Since a resume summary statement is read by means of a recruiter, it ought to be written for their advantage. If you own a Bachelors degree, there isnt any need to include your high school details. If youre not totally prepared and cant conduct yourself well in an interview, it doesnt bode well for your capacity to attach with subject matter experts. Top Designer Resume Secrets Downloading the readymade designer Resume Templates will supply you privilege of getting the ideal opportunity of expressing yourself in the fruchtwein effective method. Simple doe snt have to mean dull. In a couple of minutes youll have written the very best web designer resume out there, so. You dont need to fret about your graphic designer resume. Crafting a strong fashion designer resume isnt only important, its fundamental Crafting a strong interior designer resume isnt only important, its fundamental Designers may work independently or they might also work under a business. Graphic Designer is just one of the absolute most in-demand positions because well-conceptualized visuals are a critical component in creating effective multimedia content. Graphic designers work in a multitude of environments. So, the Graphic Designer Resume must have the right experience stated there together with the area of experience. So How About Designer Resume? Designers will need to stay informed about trends but in addition have to reveal their private style for their collections. If they work as part of a design team, they need to be able to collaborate and get al ong with others. Graphic designers have to be creative but company guidelines may prohibit that, so make sure to also add any freelance work or artistry youre involved in to demonstrate your abilities. Freelance graphic designers get the chance to combine art and technology as a way to communicate ideas with a huge audience. Ensure you keep this in mind when writing your resume. A better approach to anzeige your skills is to create an attempt to discover clever tactics to add them inside the experience bullet points. Even when you arent actively on the lookout for employment, your resume is a significant bit of your digital portfolio. The majority of the examples of resume you will discover on the internet are highly professional and will be able to help you build your resume in a limited time, in a skilled and appealing way.

The Worst Day of My First Internship Pay Day The Fiscal Femme

The Worst Day of My First Internship Pay Day The Fiscal Femme Ready for PayDay? Plug those big $$$ into an annual plan using a free resource The Fiscal Femme discovered after her first paid internship. Plug in your salary, location, & tax allowances into a paycheck calculator... and voil. Happy planning ??http//bit.ly/2GJKbtp One of the biggest challenges in alfruchtwein all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the las t time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent geschftliches miteinander strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and persp ectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly col laborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive vorkaufsrecht for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 c ategories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

6 best life lessons we learned from our first jobs

6 best life lessons we learned from our first jobs6 best life lessons we learned from our first jobsMy first summer job after starting college was as a fast food worker/drive-thru attendant, and more than once I felt like I was dragging myself out of bed for a paycheck. And while at the time I rolled my eyes at spending all day boxing french-fries and having to wear a truly embarrassing Ask Me How I (Lobster) Roll t-shirt, I now appreciate how time in the service industry taught me to graciously verstndigung im strafverfahren with hard-to-please customers and get things done quickly and correctly during a crazy 600 pm dinner-rush.Everyones got to start somewhere. Here at kununu, our employees have their fair share of odd and unforgettable first job experiences. No matter how far along you are in your career path, you can always look back at the different points in your career and find some important (chicken) nuggets of wisdom to use in your current position.We asked the team at kunu nus Boston office what lessons they learned from their first jobs and what career advice theyd offer new employees. Heres what they sharedGain power through positivityGetting through a tough shift or verstndigung im strafverfahrening with a demanding project is all about maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset. Bosses want employees who tackle problems with enthusiasm and grit rather than complaining and breaking down every time they get tripped up by an obstacle. You most likely wont get to choose your coworkers, schedule, or commute length, but you can always choose how you respond to any non-ideal workplace scenarios that may pop up.You can control two things your work ethic and your attitude. - Charles Lloyd, Sales at kununu USkununus VP of Marketing, Dan Sirks first job was anything but glamorous. As a teenager, he worked hauling manure for a landscaping company. Although the work was tiring (and smelly) he still thinks everyone should try to find the gold beneath the gr ime.Your job is to learn, grow and develop. See the learning opportunity in everything youre asked to do even the administrative grunt work and youll get the most out of every task. - Dan Sirk, Marketing at kununu USSeize every opportunityA former barista, our PR Director believes in seeing every job, even when its not in your field, as an opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience. She views her first gig as not just as pouring coffee but as a pathway to valuable people skills.Though you might be doing things like inventory, dishwashing or running a cash register, all of that becomes transferable skills that you can use in future jobs. When I was 18, I never imagined that getting used to working with people (taking orders, etc) would make me more comfortable doing cold calls or calling reporters live to pitch a story. Im thankful I experienced it all, because it makes me more confident in what I can do today. - Sofia Coon, Public Relations at kununu USProve your worthWhe n youre the new person at a company its your responsibility to show your employer what you can offer them and why you deserve to be there. Early on, its important to maintain a reliable and composed image in the office that makes people feel that you can be trusted with important responsibilities.Nobody cares about you. You have to earn the right to do business with people by adding value to them and their organizations. - Tim Song, Business Development atkununu USWhen youre given a thousand new tasks to finish by the end of the week, your first concern shouldnt be How am I going to get all of this done? Instead, you should take a deep breath, look over the list, and ask yourself What things are the most important to helping the company meet our goals? and start there.I learned how to prioritize my work based on what will add the most value. - Tedi Schipcka, Business Strategist atkununu USKeep your coolIf youve ever worked behind the counter of a coffee shop or manned a mall kiosk, youve known the struggle of dealing with hard-to-please customers. People skills are a huge part of any job, and its important to know how to deal with all kinds of people. As a former brand ambassador for a soymilk company and a bartender at a sports bar, kununus Linda Le Phan definitely understands the importance of keeping a smile on your face and remaining calm and collected when dealing with demanding customers.Since most of my first jobs were in the food service/restaurant industry, my most important early lessons about the workplace were about dealing with difficult people, staying patient and composed even when things are literally spinning out of control, and multitasking. Some people think that waiting tables or serving customers is easy, but it is not it gives you lessons that are incredibly useful in any work setting. - Linda Le Phan, Content Marketing atkununu USPut the customer above everything else, and keep them happy, advises our Marketing, Product and Business D evelopment leader Aaron Prebluda, whose first work environment was in the kitchen of a bustling restaurant.Make sure you are properly on-boarded and have context around what it is that you are doing in your role. Come with enthusiasm and ask a lot of questions. - Aaron Prebluda, Marketing, Product, and Business Development atkununu USConnect and collaborateStarting any new job is a scary experience. Whether you were hired to fill a recently created company position or are taking over the role of an old worker, it can be awkward trying to fit in with an office where everyone already seems to know each other. One of the easiest ways to feel more comfortable during your first few weeks is by working closely with coworkers and integrating yourself into their team.Networking isnt just important during the job search. You need to learn to continue networking throughout every phase of your career.Help wherever and whenever you can while still staying productive. - Ted Cooke, Digital Mark eting atkununu USCooke advises all new employees to find a balance between being protective with their time and forming business partnerships.Those collaborative relationships fueled by support and accomplishment are priceless and timeless, he said.Enjoy the rideAt the end of the day, kununu employees understand that work should be inspiring and engaging. If youre dedicating 40+ hours each week of your life to something you should be active, excited, and curious about the new lessons your job can offer.Worklife is endless learning. Dont plan your career live your life and enjoy it. Everything else will follow if you do what you have fun doing than just because you are good at it. - Moritz Kothe, CEO atkununuSo whether youre bussing tables, mowing lawns, or selling sweaters, remember that its not the job title that matters, its what you make of it.This article first appeared on Kununu.

FREE Webinars for Military Spouse Appreciation 2018

FREE Webinars for Military Spouse Appreciation 2018FREE Webinars for Military Spouse Appreciation 2018FREE Webinars for Military Spouse Appreciation 2018 Youre Invited to a FREE 45-Minute WebinarTIPS FOR MILITARY SPOUSESSEEKING FEDERAL JOBSA Resume Place, Inc. Military Spouse Appreciation EventREGISTER NOW TO LEARN HOW TO LAND A FEDERAL JOBClick on a date below to registerMay 11, 2018 1200 to 1245 PM ETMay 16, 2018 730 PM to 815 PM ETMay 21, 2018 900 AM to 945 AM ETBy Kathryn Troutman, Resume Place, Inc.May 1, 2018Resume Place is showing our appreciation for Military Spouse Month by offering 3 free webinar sessions on top tips for military spouses seeking federal jobs. Military spouses give so much in support of our nations freedomA 2nd career in the military family would be GREAT USAJOBS posts Competitive positions for Military Spouses. Learn about EO 13473 the Executive Order created to help military spouses land Federal jobs The military family member MUST be on PCS orders wi th their spouse to take advantage of EO 13473. LEARN about Top Tips for the best federal resume formatATTEND TO POSSIBLY WIN A ONE-HOUR CONSULTATION WITH KATHRYN TROUTMAN (value $190). Author, Federal Career Coach 2 sessions are offered. (MUST attend to win the consultation)Bobbi RossiterBobbi has been working with military and family members for more than 10 years. She also teaches the Stars Are Lined Up curriculum to Certified Federal Job Search Trainers and Career Coaches all over the world. When not teaching or conducting webinars, she can be found working behind the scenes to bring awareness to military spouse unemployment and underemployment issues. She personally likes EO13473, milspounderemployment, and milspounemployment.View trusted samples of federal resumes in established, renowned books to format and organize your resume. ur Federal Resume books contain excellent, successful FEDERAL RESUME SAMPLES.The Stars Are Lined Up for Military SpousesFIRST-EVER BOOK FOR MILITAR Y SPOUSES AND FEDERAL CAREERSWhy a federal career for Military Spouses?Great salaries, promotion potential, family friendly, family leave, training and MORE

How to Balance Work During the Holidays - The Muse

How to Balance Work During the Holidays - The MuseHow to Balance Work During the HolidaysIts that time of year again. The end is within reach, and no one can believe where this year went. I mean, really- how many times have you said that since Halloween? No matter what you celebrate this time of year, the race to the holidays is in full swing. Through Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, and on to shopping, baking, cooking, and wrapping, there seems to be no time to take a break. And outside of holiday preparations, workplace stress loves to hang around during the holidays- it doesnt take any time off. During the holidays, over 56% of people surveyed reported that work is their primary driver of stress. Thats because we worry that work will infringe on our ability to enjoy the holidays with friends and family, and we stress about whether or not well be able to take time off from work to relax a bit. But thats a challenge even if we get the time off Only 41% of men and 27% of women strongly agree they can relax during the holidays. So, knowing all that, its pretty easy to let your job completely ruin your holidays. Here are three ways we seriously sabotage ourselves this time of year (and what to do instead).1. You Dont Plan Any Time Off in DecemberYes, thats right. Just assume that all of your other social activities, family festivities, kids concerts, and neighborhood potlucks will all fit neatly into your already jam-packed schedule. On the other hand, you know what would be better? Assuming you typically work a five-day week and have some vacation time built up, you may be able to take one day a week off each week in December. Maybe its Friday maybe its Tuesday- whatever you (and your boss) can work out.Ive done this, and I was amazed at the difference it made. Just knowing I had an extra day each week to breathe made the pressure of the season much more bearable- and quite enjoyable. 2. Even When You Take Time Off, You Stay Totally Tuned Into WorkT he holidays are the one time of the year when everyones expectations about response times lower. But instead of taking advantage of that, if you really want to be the martyr and ruin your season at the same time, keep checking that email every chance you get- even on your days off. Research shows that 60% of smartphone-using professionals are accessible for 13.5 hours per day and an additional five hours on the weekend. If you really want your job to ruin your holidays, keep this pace up on your days off- an extra 72 hours of work right smack in the middle of your holiday. A better way? Stepping away from the smartphone will actually help you enjoy your holidays more. When high-end consultants were asked to carve out dedicated times without email, they immediately reported significantly lower stress, more positive feelings about going to work, and a joy jump in their job perception.If they can do it, you can- and should- too. Really, its not as hard as you might think3. You Let Your Stress Flag Flyfruchtwein of us are stressed about work at some level, year-round. But during the holidays, it amps up. Between preparing for holiday celebrations and wrapping up the year, we feel extreme time constraints.And when we feel that extra pressure, we often end up talking about how stressed we are- constantly complaining about it and sharing it with those around us. And not in a good way. When you do that, you create even more stress for yourself. As the adage says, What you focus on grows. It goes like this Youre winded from running from one event to another, not having a minute to yourself, and then having to make one more trip to the mall. Oh, and then theres the credit card slips piling up and the report your boss needs by Friday.Guess what? Youre creating your own reality. The more you focus on and talk about your stress, the demands, and your lack of time, the more negative your overall energy becomes. Instead, what if you didnt complain? What if you anticipated go ing through each obligation on time and stress-free? What if you saw yourself enjoying the activities and reporting to your co-workers the next day about what a lovely time it was?When youre tempted to go to the dark side, reframe and think about what it is you really want out of the season- then see it happening. Yes, the holidays can be one big bag of stress, theres no doubt about it. If there was ever a time to balance your work and your life more effectively, this is it. So, give it a go and see what happens. And, happy holidays