December can feel like someone pressed the fast-forward button on life. Between shorter days, year-end deadlines, and social obligations piling up faster than winter snowdrifts, maintaining wellness can feel like a full-time job. It may seem a little overwhelming, but here’s the thing, your personality might just hold the key to staying balanced during this hectic month.
Different dimensions have their own approach to wellness, and need to prioritize some areas over others, but at the end of the day, you need to make sure you’ve got all of your wellness factors covered. As you read on, think about which of your factors need a boost to get you through to the new year.
Inquiring Greens are naturally curious, and love diving deep into understanding why and how things work; they approach December’s challenges differently depending on their energy style. Inquiring Greens who are more Extraverted energize themselves with things like intellectual discussions at holiday gatherings, while Inquiring Greens who are more Introverted need to balance social activities with private time for research and reflection. For their intellectual wellness, all Inquiring Greens benefit from engaging with ideas; whether through stimulating group discussions or peaceful solo study sessions. Physical wellness for Inquiring Greens might look like researching and implementing the perfect winter exercise routine, potentially preferring solo sports or group activities based on their energy needs.
Resourceful Oranges, who thrive on spontaneity and action, bring their dynamic energy to December in many ways. Resourceful Oranges who are more Extraverted can be found bouncing from event to event, drawing energy from each new experience, while Resourceful Oranges on the Introverted side of the scale, need to balance their love of action with private time to process their adventures. Their work wellness often peaks in December’s fast pace, but knowing when and how to recharge their energy helps them structure their days; yes, even Resourceful Oranges like some structure. Alternating between collaborative projects and independent tasks will help keep burnout at bay. Social wellness looks different for each Resourceful Orange; some recharge through group activities, others through solo adventures.
Authentic Blues are relationship-oriented, and value meaningful connections and personal growth during the December season. Authentic Blues who are more Extraverted, find energy by going to gatherings and helping others navigate seasonal challenges, while Authentic Blues who are more Introverted, need quiet time to reflect on relationships and recharge between social connections. Spiritual wellness for all Authentic Blues thrives during this reflective season as they explore ways to deepen their understanding of themselves and others, whether through group activities or private contemplation. Blues excel at maintaining social wellness through genuine connections, but knowing their energy style helps them create the right balance between nurturing connections and self-care.
Organized Golds are practical planners, who can actually find their stride in December; they bring their systematic approach to the chaos of the season. Organized Golds who are more Extraverted thrive on organizing group activities and tackling shared to-do lists, while Organized Golds on the Introverted side need to schedule dedicated alone time to recharge between coordinating all things holiday related. Their work wellness typically stays strong thanks to their planning skills, but understanding where their energy comes from helps them create more effective schedules; which can include blocking out social and solo time in advance.
Regardless of your personality or where you fall on the Introversion/Extraversion spectrum, here’s a not-so-hidden secret: your six wellness factors are like walls supporting a building; each one needs to be strong for the whole structure to stand tall. When December’s challenges hit, it’s tempting to focus on just one or two aspects of wellness, but that’s like trying to support your roof with just a couple of walls, even if they look great.
Physical wellness is different for everyone, but still might look different in December with a change in the weather, routine, and other commitments. Finding moments for whatever physical care works for you can make a difference, whether that means enjoying comfort food, movement, or rest.
Intellectual wellness doesn’t have to mean solving complex equations. It might be learning about different cultural celebrations or finally figuring out how to properly wrap oddly shaped gifts (if anyone knows how to wrap a 5’ tall cactus, let me know).
Spiritual wellness, regardless of religious beliefs, can mean connecting with what gives your life meaning. December’s natural contemplative feeling makes it perfect for reflection and gratitude practices.
Work wellness in December often means finding balance and setting realistic expectations. It’s okay if your productivity looks different this month; set realistic goals and boundaries, and stick with them.
Emotional wellness requires acknowledgement that December can bring up all sorts of feelings, from joy to stress to nostalgia, sometimes all before breakfast. Give yourself permission to feel without judgment.
Social wellness might need extra attention; both in protecting time for meaningful connections and in setting boundaries around social obligations. Remember, it’s okay to be selective about where you spend your energy.
Wellness in the month of December isn’t about perfectly maintaining all six factors; it’s about finding your personal balance. Resist the urge to fight against your natural tendencies, and just work with them; Let your personality dimensions guide you toward the wellness practices that feel authentic to you. At the end of the day, the best gift you can give yourself is permission to do things you need to do for you.
Brad Whitehorn – BA, CCDP is a lifelong Introvert, and the Associate Director at CLSR Inc. He was thrown into the career development field headfirst after completing a Communications degree in 2005, and hasn’t looked back! Since then, Brad has worked on the development, implementation and certification for various career and personality assessments (including Personality Dimensions®), making sure that Career Development Practitioners and HR Professionals get the right tools to do their best work. Brad is also on the board of directors for the Career Professionals of Canada, and an advisory committee member with the Career Development Practitioners’s Certification Board of Ontario.
