Stress less, celebrate more: How to avoid burnout this festive season
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, but in the midst of these celebrations it’s easy to become overwhelmed and stressed by the whirlwind of preparations, parties and family expectations.
Those pressures, added to an already full and vibrant life, can potentially lead to seasonal burnout. That’s why it’s critical to look after yourself, set boundaries, and seek solace amidst the festivities so you kick off the fun feeling fully charged.
It’s a time to reflect on what truly matters, to adjust your expectations, and to find joy in the present moment. ‘Tis the season for self-care – so let’s explore the delicate art of avoiding burnout during the festive season, with these tips for approaching the holidays with a serene and balanced spirit.
Prioritise yourself
Self-care is not a luxury, but an essential act of love and wellness. In the rush of holiday demands, it’s crucial to set boundaries and safeguard pockets of time for yourself. Dedicate blocks for cherished rituals that nourish your soul, whether it’s a quiet moment with a book, a rejuvenating bath, or a meditative walk in nature’s embrace.
When you care for yourself, you’ll be better equipped to share the warmth of the festive season with loved ones.
Simplify your traditions
This year, consider a mindful shift in your approach to gift giving. Don’t get caught up in the pressure to buy everyone gifts. Instead, you could have a conversation with your loved ones exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season. Chances are, they feel the same pressure you do.
You could limit gift-giving to just the kids, organise a family Secret Santa, or plan to spend quality time together making memories with a shared experience, like a spa day. Step away from the commercial whirlwind and towards the true meaning of the holidays – connection, togetherness, and genuine heartfelt gestures.
Get organised
Don’t let the frenzy of Christmas shopping affect you financially, mentally, or physically. Set a realistic budget, craft thoughtful gift lists, and explore creative and meaningful presents that resonate with the season’s true spirit. If you plan well in advance, you’ll reduce the anxiety and last-minute stress that can boil up at this time of year.
Ask for help
You don’t need to bear the weight of the festive season on your own. Reach out to your support network – whether that be your partner, best friend, mum, brother, cousins or mates – to say you’re feeling overwhelmed and need help. Share tasks, delegate chores and feel relieved knowing you don’t need to shoulder the preparations and responsibilities alone.
If you’ve offered to host Christmas lunch, ask others to bring a side dish, dessert, or festive drinks. At the end of the day, Christmas is about being together, so don’t worry if you have mismatched plates or you don’t have the right wine glasses – that’s not what matters.
Adjust your expectations
The most precious gift to give yourself this festive season is kindness. You are your own greatest critic and things don’t always go to plan. It’s a time to embrace flexibility, let go of rigid ideals and recognise that perfection is not the essence of the season.
As Brene Brown says: “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love”. Be kind, be gentle and allow for imperfection. By adapting your expectations, you open the door to a more tranquil and enjoyable celebration.
Look after your health and well-being
Amid the festive chaos, don’t forget your health. Make time to prioritise and nourish your body with hydration, an abundance of fruits and vegetables, good quality sleep, and regular exercise. Carve out moments to unwind and nurture your physical and mental well-being.
Finding balance during the lead up to Christmas might feel impossible, but even a 10-minute meditation could make a calming difference to your day.
Maintain your boundaries and say no
Not everyone shares a harmonious relationship with their family. Maintaining boundaries can safeguard your well-being and mental health, and learning to say “no” can be an act of self-preservation.
The same goes for social events. Think about how many invitations you can realistically accept while maintaining your balance, and try not to exceed that number. Remind yourself that it’s perfectly acceptable to decline certain commitments and festive activities that could lead to burnout.
Reflect on your limits and prioritise your time and mental bandwidth so that you don’t run yourself into the ground.
Find gratitude and joy
Take a moment to press pause on the festive whirl and reflect on the true essence of the season. Seek meaning in the moments shared, the laughter, and the precious memories created. The holiday season is a magical time, but in the flurry of it all, it’s easy to forget that. Bring yourself back with mindfulness and self-reflection so you can embrace each special moment and feel genuine connections.
Give back to the community
The spirit of the season lies in acts of kindness and compassion. If you’re fortunate enough to have presents under the tree and a feast planned for Christmas, perhaps take a moment to extend your hands to the community. You can donate gifts or your time to help make the holiday lights sparkle for someone else too.
In return, you’ll feel enriched and connected to the wider community. In this season of giving, find joy in making a positive impact on the world around you.
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