The holiday season is upon us. The stores are bustling and full of decorations, many people are planning holiday dinners, and everything seems to be a bit busier than usual. While the holidays can be a fun and exciting time of year, they can also be exhausting, bring many negative emotions, and can lead to holiday stress.
If you’ve suffered work injuries, your holiday season might be slightly different than it has been in years past. But it’s important to remember that experiencing stress and depression around the holidays is entirely normal. It’s okay to feel sad or frustrated.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Holiday Injury
The holidays are stressful enough without worrying about getting injured at work. But unfortunately, many employers don’t offer adequate protection for employees who suffer workplace injuries during the busy season.
If workers’ comp insurance does not cover you, you may be responsible for paying out of pocket for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses associated with your injury. And if you’re self-employed, you may not qualify for benefits because you aren’t considered an employee.
Workers’ comp laws vary by state, but most states require employers to pay for certain types of medical treatment and disability payments when an employee suffers a work-related injury.
Many people experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. If this happens to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to your community. Whether you volunteer somewhere or attend a religious or social event, do something that helps connect you with other people.
It can be difficult, but remember, saying no to things is okay. If you’re not feeling up for visiting with people or cooking food for the family, it’s okay to opt-out. What’s most important is focusing on your recovery.
Holiday Season Means Increased Physical Activity
The holidays mean more physical activity than usual. Whether you’re shopping at the mall or visiting family, there’s no doubt that you’ll be walking more during this busy season. And when you walk, you may sustain injuries.
You must file a claim with your employer’s insurance company if you’ve been injured. But wait! Before you do anything, take care of yourself. Get medical treatment for your injury and stay off work until you recover.
Be Aware of Health Hazards Associated With the Holidays
The holidays are stressful times for everyone. They’re filled with family gatherings, parties, shopping, travel, and food. But we should be aware of some health hazards associated with the holidays.
Holiday stress can lead to injury. Whether it’s due to overindulging at holiday events, working too hard during the holidays, or simply being tired after a long day, the holidays can cause serious injuries.
Workers’ comp claims spike during the holidays because employees often take leave days off to attend holiday celebrations. This leaves them vulnerable to workplace accidents.
And let’s not forget the dangers of alcohol consumption. Alcohol abuse during the holidays can lead to many types of injuries, including car crashes, falls, slips, trips, burns, and poisonings.
If you suffer from chronic pain or illness, you may need to adjust your holiday expectations. And if you’ve been injured on the job, you may consider filing a claim through your workers’ comp insurance company.
Overexerting yourself can make your injuries worse. It’s a good idea to set aside time for yourself and take lots of breaks. Being realistic about what you’ll be capable of doing can also help reduce stress. Come up with a game plan and be ready to adjust it to accommodate how you’re feeling.
Of course, if you find yourself struggling or feeling very depressed, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a professional.
