Year end burnout is one thing, but what about festive season burnout? Even though the festive season is a joyful time, it can also come with an overwhelming number of events, commitments, and social pressures that may lead to burnout.
It’s tempting to attend every gathering and fulfil every invite, but maintaining balance is essential to enjoying the holidays and seeing the new year through. Events season has already started, so here are five mindful strategies I am enforcing to help manage burnout while still celebrating the season. You can try them, too.
Beat the festive burnout
1. Prioritising and setting boundaries
With numerous holiday parties, family gatherings, and work events, you may feel obliged to say “yes” to everything.
However, setting boundaries is crucial to prevent burnout. Take a moment to assess which events are genuinely meaningful to you and prioritise those. Politely declining invitations to less important gatherings allows you to conserve your energy for the ones that matter most.
Remember, saying “no” can be an act of self-care. Social fatigue is not cute
Pro tip: For events you do attend, set a realistic time limit. Plan ahead to leave after a couple of hours if you feel that will help you stay energised.
2. Schedule ‘me’ time
While social gatherings can be exciting, they also require a lot of energy. To stay balanced, make time for yourself every few days—even if it’s just an hour. Use this time to unwind, reflect, and recharge – whether that means taking a walk, enjoying a cup of tea, or reading a book. Scheduling downtime ensures you’ll feel refreshed and better prepared for the next celebration.
Pro tip: If possible, keep one day a week event-free to help your body and mind recover.
3. Nourish your body and mind
With so many gatherings on the go, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of eating rich foods at odd times. Maintaining healthy eating habits and staying hydrated can go a long way in managing stress levels. Try to incorporate whole foods, like vegetables, fruits, and protein, into your diet whenever possible, and don’t skip meals before events. Remember that alcohol and caffeine, while tempting, can also lead to energy crashes and impact your mood.
Pro tip: If you know an event will have heavy or indulgent foods, eat a light, nutrient-rich meal beforehand to keep your energy steady.
4. Practice mindfulness and breathing exercises
Mindfulness techniques can be incredibly effective in managing stress. Practicing mindfulness allows you to stay present, which can reduce the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do. Simple breathing exercises can help you stay calm, especially when you feel pressured or stressed out by festive obligations.
Pro tip: Try a quick breathing exercise like inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for four. This simple practice can bring your stress levels down in just a few minutes.
5. Reflect on the purpose of the season
Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget the deeper purpose of the holiday season. Take time to reflect on what this season means to you personally. This reflection can help you realign with the values and intentions that make you feel fulfilled. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, giving back, or taking time to reflect on the past year, keeping your values at the forefront can make the season feel more meaningful and less draining.
Pro tip: Consider a gratitude practice, journaling, or another small ritual that resonates with you. This can help you feel more grounded and connected to the positive aspects of the season.
Remember it is ok to say no if you feel the event might take more out of you than you can give of yourself and you should not feel guilty about it. This is something I am trying to practise, too.
Let’s enjoy the festive season and return feeling rested because with year end burnout caused by work, things can go south very quickly.
ALSO SEE:
Featured Image: Pexels
