The Holidays can be a wonderful time to connect with family and friends and engage in cherished traditions. However, they can often leave people feeling burned out. For example, family obligations and social engagements can disrupt our sleep, eating, and self-care activities. Additionally, after the Holidays, we usually feel like we have to catch up on everything we put off until after the Holidays, such as emails, errands, and that task or list of tasks that could wait until after the Holiday. Additionally, some people may miss the time off during the Holidays and getting back to work and life’s responsibilities can feel overwhelming.
Below is a list of strategies to help you cope with “Post-Holiday Burnout”
Plan and take at least one day off from work or life responsibilities quarterly to do whatever you want for self-care.
Plan breaks throughout your day, such as walking, practicing mindfulness, yoga, Tai-chi, exercise, or watching a guided relaxation on YouTube.
Develop new skills, complete trainings, or read new books that enhance your professional development or allow you to pursue your deeper life callings.
Connect your daily actions with your purpose in life. Purpose may be work related, but it could also be your relationships with friends or family. Or, for some people their purpose may to develop their potential or grow spiritually.
Spend time daydreaming about future goals and dreams.
Practice daily gratitude and focus on the big and little things you are grateful for in life.
Spend time connecting with friends and family on a deeper level on topics you enjoy talking out.
Reach out to mentors, counselors, life coaches, spiritual advisors, or mental health professionals for additional support.
Try to complete your most difficult task first thing in the morning because that is usually when your energy and concentration is at its peak, and it will also feel like the rest of the day is easier.
Avoid taking on too many unnecessary work demands and/or excessive requests from family, friends, or co-workers.
Protect your admin time, lunch time, and break time.
Practice having kindness and compassion on yourself, and know that you may be able to help some people, but not everyone
Engage in weekly hobbies away from work and family that fill your soul with joy or relief.