End of Year Fatigue: Why it feels heavier this year & how to manage it
As we approach the end of the year, many of us are feeling the familiar wave of end-of-year fatigue - but this year, it seems to be hitting harder. Between juggling work, family and festive preparations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Add in the pressures of a challenging economy, ongoing global uncertainties, and the lingering effects of recent world events and ongoing conflicts…. it’s no wonder so many of us are running on empty.
The combination of emotional and physical demands can leave you feeling drained, unmotivated and even more stressed. It’s important to recognise that this is a shared experience - you are not alone in feeling this way.
Here are some simple steps you can take to manage the fatigue and regain a sense of balance as we navigate the end of the chaos.
Prioritise rest: Quality sleep is essential, but so is giving yourself permission to slow down. Not every event or tasks needs to be a top priority - it’s ok to say no.
Move your body: Gentle movement, like walking, yoga, pilates or even just stretching on the lounge room floor can do wonders for releasing tension and shifting your energy.
Stay hydrated and nourished: Busy schedules, extra activities and the push to finish all the tasks before end of year, can often lead to poor eating habits. Make time to fit in your regular meals and keep yourself hydrated to keep your energy steady.
Tune out: It’s ok to tune out from the news updates on what’s going on in the world if it causes your distress. It’s ok to choose to protect your own headspace. While no one wants to be ignorant of the realities of what is going on in the world, it’s ok if you need to turn off the news updates, or skip watching the news every night.
Don’t force it: If you’re not feeling it, don’t force it. This can apply to anything and everything. Accept where you’re at, if that means you can’t show up to everything, or do all the things you would usually do; that’s ok. Communicate with friends and family about where you're at, particularly if you need to cancel or reschedule a catch up - they will understand. Sometimes the best plans are cancelled plans!
Check in with your mental health: Take a moment. Pause. Breathe in, breathe out. Using your breath is your ticket to calm when you feel the chaos rising. If you feel that your stress is starting to become unmanageable, consider reaching out for support.
The year’s end doesn’t have to mean running yourself into the ground. By taking proactive steps to care for your body and mind, you can close out the year with more energy and ease - and set yourself up for a refreshing start to the new year.