The end of the year often feels like a whirlwind — a time for celebration and connection but also an emotionally and physically draining stretch of weeks. Between wrapping up work projects, planning holiday gatherings, and managing self-imposed expectations, it’s no wonder many of us feel completely burned out before the new year even begins.
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It often shows up differently for everyone but can include signs like sleepless nights, irritability, demotivation, and a sense of disconnection. Left unchecked, burnout can damage mental and physical health, making it harder to recharge when you need it most.
Fortunately, with a few thoughtful strategies, you can reduce burnout and approach the end of the year with greater energy and optimism. Inspired by insights from Woodruff Woodruff, founder of Organize 365, here are five practical, achievable steps to help you turn the season’s chaos into an opportunity for reflection and renewal.
1. Reclaim your time with “planned neglect”
Not every task, tradition, or event is worth your energy, especially if it adds unnecessary stress. Woodruff calls this approach “planned neglect,” where you intentionally decide which activities to skip. “We spend so much time living in programs plated for us by others,” she explains. By reassessing your priorities, you can free yourself from unnecessary obligations.
For example, skipping elaborate holiday decorations doesn’t mean you lack holiday spirit — it simply means you’re choosing to focus on what matters most to you. Woodruff adds, “Once you’re happy with your decision, you don’t have to justify it to anyone.” Whether it’s a smaller tree or no tree at all, trust that your choices are valid and enough.
2. Set boundaries to create calm
Clear boundaries help create the time and space you need to relax. Woodruff shares a simple but powerful routine: After dinner, she cleans the kitchen, turns on the under-cabinet lights, and declares the kitchen closed. This boundary signals the end of her workday and gives her permission to relax guilt-free.
Think about where you can set similar boundaries. Maybe it’s limiting social obligations, setting work emails aside after a certain hour, or creating a peaceful wind-down routine in the evening. These small acts can make a big difference in how you feel at the end of each day.
3. Embrace the power of “one more thing”
Burnout often comes from feeling like you’re constantly catching up. Woodruff suggests a simple but effective mindset shift: Before leaving a room or finishing a task, ask yourself, “What’s one more thing I could do right now that I won’t have to do later?”
This might mean wiping the counter after making coffee, wrapping a gift right after buying it, or loading the dishwasher before bed. “Those little moments add up,” she explains. Completing small tasks in real-time reduces mental clutter and frees up your future self from unnecessary stress.
4. Prioritize connection over perfection
Amid the holiday bustle, it’s easy to get caught up in various distractions and endless to-do lists. But Woodruff reminds us that our connection with others truly matters during this time of year. “The things I enjoy most about the holidays are the moments spent with people, not the stuff,” she says.
Shift your focus away from striving for perfection and toward meaningful interactions. Instead of overloading your schedule with tasks, carve out time for activities that bring joy, whether it’s a cozy movie night with family or a quiet evening catching up with friends.
Bonus tip: Reflect and recharge
As the year winds down, take a moment to reflect on what’s gone well and what you’d like to improve in the new year. Journaling can be a helpful way to organize your thoughts, process emotions, and set goals for the months ahead.
This year, let’s reclaim the end of the year as a time for joy, growth, and connection. By setting boundaries, making intentional choices, and focusing on what truly matters, you can greet the new year feeling refreshed and ready to thrive.
Feeling overwhelmed? Take a moment to reflect on what matters most. Explore tools like the Mentavi Mental Wellness Snapshot to gain personalized insights into your mental health and prepare for the road ahead.
