Beat Festive Burnout: Protect Your Energy and Wellbeing This Christmas

The festive season is often a time of joy, but it can also be incredibly exhausting. Many of us may experience burnout, which can show up as extreme fatigue, low mood, and a sense of listlessness. I understand that some of you might be entering the Christmas period already dealing with burnout and fatigue due to chronic health challenges.

The added pressures of Christmas can heighten feelings of anxiety and overwhelm, further draining our energy. These pressures and associated stress often arise from the desire to create the perfect Christmas, coupled with a surge in social activities and events.

If you’ve found Christmas challenging in the past and want to change how you feel this year, I’d like to share some tips for balancing your activities and pacing your energy, along with some helpful mindset shifts. These strategies will support your wellness and help you navigate the festivities with greater ease and joy.

Tip 1: Plan Ahead to Increase Your Resilience to Stress

One of the most effective ways to safeguard your energy during the festive season is to plan ahead and spread out your tasks over time. Consider tackling some activities early in December—or even in November! This could include wrapping gifts, doing your shopping, or preparing meals to freeze for later use. By getting a head start, you can avoid the frantic last-minute rush and carve out essential time for rest and relaxation.

Remember, you’re not a machine; you’re human! Regular breaks are vital, especially during this busy time. Prioritising self-care will help you enjoy the festivities without compromising your energy or wellbeing.

Tip 2: Be Flexible and Realistic

Another essential tip is to approach your schedule with flexibility and realism. Avoid cramming too many tasks into a short timeframe, and don’t expect everything to go perfectly. Allow yourself ample time for each task and incorporate breaks to recharge. If unexpected events arise or you find yourself feeling fatigued, be ready to adjust your plans and focus on what truly matters.

If you’re considering new activities during the festive season but already feel overwhelmed, think about which current commitments you can temporarily set aside in favour of your festive plans. This will help you stay within your energy limits and enjoy the season more fully.

Tip 3: Delete, Defer, Delegate, and Set a Budget

We often feel compelled to handle everything ourselves or take on tasks we don’t enjoy, which can leave us feeling fatigued and frazzled. To combat this, consider whether you can delete, delegate, or defer any tasks or events. Ask yourself:

• Do I really need to buy gifts for everyone, or can I trim my list?
• Is it necessary to attend every social event, or can I skip some or leave early?
• Can I postpone certain activities until January instead of cramming everything into December?
• Can I reach out to family or friends for help, or outsource some chores?

By making these adjustments, you can free up time and energy for what truly matters to you.

Additionally, set a budget and stick to it. Overspending can lead to stress and sleepless nights. Reflect on how many people you genuinely need to buy gifts for and whether you tend to go overboard with food and other festive indulgences. Has your gift list grown excessively over the years? It might be a relief for everyone if you suggest that gifts aren’t necessary this year. Alternatively, consider setting a spending limit or organising a Secret Santa arrangement. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag!

Tip 5: Take Care of Yourself

The festive season can be a time of indulgence, but it can also be a time of neglecting our basic needs. To protect your energy levels, it’s essential to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. This means:

• Getting enough sleep and establishing a regular bedtime routine.
• Eating well and regularly, ensuring you have nourishing foods.
• Getting fresh air and sunlight in the morning to help regulate your circadian rhythms.
• Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation.

Tip 6: Be Kind to Yourself and Practice Gratitude

Remember, you’re doing the best you can with the resources available to you. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go as planned or if you have an off day. It’s perfectly okay to say no, change your mind, ask for help, take a break, or simply have fun.

If you are looking to shift your perspective and enhance your mood this Christmas, try practicing gratitude. This practice encourages you to focus on what you have rather than what you lack, helping you appreciate the little things and recognise opportunities instead of obstacles. Aim to identify at least three things you’re grateful for each day. They can be big or small, simple or complex, personal or universal. You can write them down, say them aloud, or just reflect on them in your mind. Embracing positivity can generate energy and reduce stress, making a significant difference in your overall wellbeing.

My Final Thought for Beating Festive Burnout This Year: Let Go of Perfectionism!

If you are feeling the pressure to create the ‘perfect’ festive season, reflect on whether the pursuit of perfection will simply leave you feeling frazzled. Consider shifting your focus: what if your goal were to have a festive season that prioritises your wellbeing? Imagine a season where you feel present and engaged, rather than rushing around in a frenzy.

Instead of stressing over creating the ideal Christmas or comparing yourself to others, concentrate on what truly brings you joy. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job with the energy you have, and that deserves to be celebrated! Perfection is an illusion that can lead to frustration and unhappiness.

Ask yourself: Is it more realistic to aim for a festive season that allows you to care for yourself and be fully present? One that honours your achievements and resilience, enabling you to welcome the new year from a place of wellness? Embrace the idea that a meaningful and enjoyable festive season is within your reach!

Take great care of yourself; you deserve it!