5 Ways to Avoid Holiday Burnout

Nothing drains our energy as quickly as a hectic holiday season. We often feel like we have a million things to do and wind up exhausted instead of truly enjoying ourselves. This year, take control of your time and show holiday burnout who’s boss with these 5 tips. 

1. The 24-Hour Pause

Don’t get FOMO, focus on the JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out. Before you agree to another holiday party or get-together, take 24 hours to pause and think about it. Use that time to check your calendar and be realistic about how much time you have that day or even that week. Remember: when you say yes to one thing, you are saying no to something else. That ‘no’ could be time with your family, your yoga class or an evening to unwind and simply do absolutely nothing. Be sure that all those things you say ‘yes’ to are important. 

2. Give Back

You may be wondering why on earth you would add another thing to your to-do list, but it’s important to give back to your community, especially during the holiday season. Studies have found that acts of giving can improve your physical and mental health.  There are always plenty of opportunities to help those in need, even if you only have a few hours to spare. A quick google search for volunteer opportunities in your community will likely turn up plenty of organizations that could use a helping hand this holiday season. But simply checking in with an elderly neighbour or helping someone carry their bags to their car can give your mind a boost and keep things in perspective. 

3. Exercise

Whether you’re a workout junkie or simply enjoy a nice walk outside, exercise is an important part of maintaining balance. It’s great for your physical and, thanks to our little friends called endorphins, mental health. Exercise lowers the amount of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline in the body. At the same time, it stimulates the production of endorphins which are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators, according to Harvard University. For many of us, it’s an escape from the stress of our daily lives. Being active provides so many benefits. It can:

• Boost your energy


• relax you and make you feel content


• help you sleep better


• boost your concentration and alertness


• make you more productive at work


• help boost your immune system


It’s also some much needed me-time. Or, if you’re in a spin class or running group, it can also be some crucial socializing time. 

4. Get Organized

When the holidays get busy and you don’t feel like there are enough hours in a day, you will rely on your organizational and planning skills more than ever. While time may feel sparse, it’s important to carve out a few minutes each day to check your list (maybe even twice). Take 5-10 minutes to review what you want to do in a day and put together a plan for how you’ll accomplish it. Lists will be your best friend. It could be gift lists, grocery lists, to-do lists or any other kind of list that helps keep you from juggling a million things in your head. As you make your way through, take a moment to enjoy the simple act of checking something off. If you make a daily or weekly list for yourself, move things that you don’t get done to the next list so it doesn’t get forgotten. 

5. Practice Self Care

Here are Rocky, we are big, big fans of self-care. During the holidays we tend to get so wrapped up in others, we forget to take care of ourselves. It’s essential that you find time to decompress and look after your body and mind. Start by thinking about what you really need. Perhaps it’s a warm bath with a Lavender & Calendula Bath Bomb. Or maybe a walk through nature for some brisk winter air. You can also curl up with a good book. Choose the self-care routine that’s right for you at the moment and keep the holiday stress at bay. 

What are some things you do to avoid holiday burnout?