Coping with the end of the year burnout

This has been quite a year.  The end of the year is time to reflect and re-energize yourself as it’s the start of the next year, but often this can be overwhelming and exhausting. Burnout can be common at this time and is usually defined as a prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of social accomplishment.

This often presents differently for everyone. But it often manifests as an overwhelming feeling and inability to say no. This can lead to an unhealthy, overworking mindset, that results in a lack of sleep, a disjointed social life, demotivation, and exhaustion. This is a vicious cycle that if it continues, can mentally break you down over time. 

Here are 4 tips that can help to prevent burnout:

1. Take me time. Me time should be away from your usual activities. It doesn’t have to be a full day. Take 1 hour before bed to decompress by reading a book or a magazine, or take time to get a mani/pedi or hair cut during the day. It is your time. Don’t think about it too much. 
2. Embrace JOMO: There can be a joy in missing out on activities or events you don’t feel like doing. Instead spend time doing something that you love.
3. Unplug from social media and work. Live in the present.  Be in the moment. These are the important memories. Your phone won’t feel it, and the algorithm won’t care.
4. Journal. Take time to write and reflect on the year. Write about something that means to you, or want to remember. The act of writing can be very de-stressing and soothing. Use it as a therapy.

Turning around your end of the year now before it’s gone, can set you up for a better beginning.