December is a busy time of the year – juggling work deadlines, extra social commitments, planning Christmas day celebrations, completing the Christmas shopping.. it’s a great deal happening all at once!
“One in three adults suffer from ‘holiday burnout’, with 36% claiming that that the affliction sets in before mid-December” – Stylist, 2020.
How exactly do you combat this overwhelming feeling of exhaustion during December? Stylist (2020) reveals some tips as follows:
- Accept: Acknowledge that is ok to feel anxious, stressed and overwhelmed. When demands of our lives exceed what we can realistically achieve, it is natural to feel pressures and burnt-out. Be kind to yourself!
- Clarify values: Assess what really matters to you. Sometimes the pressures of having the ‘perfect’ Christmas can lead us into investing too much energy into the things that really don’t matter. Reflect on your worries and consider making changings.
- Set boundaries: During the Christmas season you may have an increased sense of obligation to others. Review the boundaries you set with your relationships which may include time, spending, communication or making plans. Clarify your OWN boundaries.
- Do what matters: What brings you joy, vitality and purpose over Christmas time? There is nothing wrong with valuing downtime, rest and connection with those who give you energy.
- Take time for reflection: If you become anxious and stressed at this time of the year, reflect where you would like to find yourself this time next year – Taking charge of our lives and empowering ourselves to make positive changes is a great starting point for the year ahead.