If one thing is sure, it’s that end-of-year burnout is no joke—the impending holidays and Q4 are an unfavorable combination. It is normal to feel exhausted and stressed when November and December roll around. You’ve been working hard all year, with limited vacation, while trying to maintain an exercise regimen and work-life balance.
The days also become shorter in the winter, which means less sunlight and more darkness. The decrease in vitamin D is enough of a menace on its own but becomes much worse when combined with deadlines and holiday shopping looming over you.
It is no surprise that as the end of the year approaches, most people start to feel burnt out. But thankfully, with some mindful tips and tricks, the symptoms of burnout can be reversed or avoided altogether.
What is burnout?
End-of-the-year fatigue (or burnout) affects many people, and its impacts on one’s overall health and well-being should be taken very seriously.
Burnout is a state of complete exhaustion, often caused by prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet the constant demands of your work and personal life. With continued stress, you may lose the determination and motivation that helped you succeed in the first place.
While many of its symptoms are similar to unrelenting stress, burnout is a state of complete mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion.
What are the symptoms of burnout?
For many, the worst symptoms of burnout are the ones that impact their mental health. When someone is burnt out, they may feel exhausted, hopeless, depressed, cynical, resentful, and anxious. These negative feelings spill over into every aspect of one’s life, not just their career.
Additionally, someone experiencing burnout may feel like they are a failure, detach themselves from others, and feel trapped.
Behavioral signs of burnout include withdrawing from responsibilities, lashing out at others, procrastinating, skipping work, and declining productivity.
Unfortunately, burnout can also impact one’s physical well-being, as many people lean on unhealthy coping mechanisms. Burnout can lead to changes in weight—some folks experience a decrease in appetite, whereas others overindulge in unhealthy foods or alcohol for a sense of temporary relief. They may also experience frequent headaches, lowered immunity, exhaustion, muscle pain, or difficulty sleeping at night when burnt out.
How can burnout be avoided?
Even though most people think a vacation is an easy burnout fix, it’s not always the most effective. Instead, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the warning signs and symptoms and then break the stress cycle by meditating, crying, laughing with friends, getting creative, or exercising.
For many people, the warning signs of burnout include:
- Getting sick.
- Growing annoyed and irritated with coworkers.
- Discontinuing hobbies or activities that bring joy.
End-of-year and general burnout can also be avoided by setting boundaries with the people in your life. Suppose a last-minute project at work will send you over the edge; learn how to say “no” or ask for help. If you are exhausted and don’t feel like attending a family dinner, it’s okay to turn it down for your mental health.
Staying connected with like-minded individuals and friends is also an easy way to stay productive, happy, and healthy.
If you’re looking to join a community of supportive, successful women, the Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala Fundraiser is a must-attend event. This is an exciting opportunity for you to take a break, celebrate, and say “goodbye” to the year with new friends.
Raise your glass with us as we honor some fantastic women doing excellent work in entrepreneurship and their community, all while giving back. This year’s Winter Wonderland theme embraces beauty, elegance, style, and love. Enjoy delicious food and fellowship, and dance the night away with purpose.
