While the holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, it can also bring stress, exhaustion and burnout. With what can seem like an endless roster of social events, gift-giving obligations and the pressure to create the perfect holiday experience, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.
Burnout does not have to ruin the holiday season. One UAB expert recommends five ways to stay refreshed this holiday season. While the holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, it can also bring stress, exhaustion and burnout.
With what can seem like an endless roster of social events, gift-giving obligations and the pressure to create the perfect holiday experience, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.
According to Charles Davis III, M.D., assistant professor in The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, burnout does not have to ruin the holiday season.
“We could all use a bit of childlike wonder during the holidays,” Davis said. “Adults often focus on creating the ‘perfect’ holiday instead of enjoying the moment.”
Davis offers five useful tips to help manage burnout and stay refreshed through the holidays.
Prioritize self-care
Taking care of oneself is often an afterthought during the busy holiday season. Make time for activities that nourish the mind, body and spirit. Whether it is a quiet walk, a warm bath or 10 minutes of meditation, self-care is essential to staying balanced.
Set boundaries and manage expectations
The holidays often bring a whirlwind of commitments. While it is great to be involved, saying “yes” to everything can quickly lead to burnout. Davis recommends being honest about capacity and setting clear boundaries with family, friends and colleagues. It is OK to say no.
Practice mindfulness
The holidays can feel like a blur, but mindfulness practices help one stay present. There are many ways to accomplish this, including savoring a favorite holiday treat or pausing to enjoy a moment with loved ones. Mindfulness can help keep individuals grounded and reduce feelings of stress.
Delegate and share the load
The holiday season does not have to fall solely on the shoulders of one individual. Involving family and friends in the planning and preparation and delegating tasks, like cooking, decorating or wrapping gifts, can ease the pressure and give each person more time to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Give permission to rest
It is important to make rest a priority. It is easy to feel a need for constant movement or to accomplish something during the holidays, but rest is key to recharging. Take breaks, get enough sleep, and allow the space to rest when needed.
Courtesy of University of Alabama Birmingham
