We’re in the last stretch of 2018, folks.
If you’re finding it difficult to stay concentrated, are more irritable, and having difficulties getting started with your day in the mornings, you’re not alone.
As the year draws to a close, many people experience end-of-year fatigue — It’s a real phenomenon that affects many people in November and December.
Symptoms of end-of-year fatigue include:
- Boredom
- Lack of sleep
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Generalised aching
- Poor concentration and memory
- Anxiety
- Depression
We’re constantly finding new ways to increase productivity throughout the day, shadowed by deadlines, all on top of familial commitments. Our bodies are ill-equipped for all of these modern-day stressors resulting in a short-circuiting of our body’s homeostasis.
With the holidays around the corner and a new year fast approaching, we’re here to round up our best tidbits on self-care to prevent the end-of-year fatigue from turning into a full out burnout — burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
Schedule self-care
We know it can be difficult to make time for yourself when you feel as though you’re being pulled in different directions to keep your life and relationships afloat — scheduling time for yourself is crucial for self-care.
I personally enjoy slow mornings. For me, this means waking up 2 hours earlier than the rest of the household to have time for myself.
I’ll throw on a podcast and take the dog for a long walk with a cup of tea. Some mornings, I’ll practice yoga or spend a bit more time in bed reading my book.
If scheduling self-care at home isn’t practical for you, go to a spa, library, museum, shopping. Whatever and wherever helps you de-stress. Try to remember the commitments to yourself are just as important as the promises you make to other people.
Eat foods that fuel you
While it might feel good to reach for comfort foods when you’re stressed — chocolate, mac & cheese, and venti frappucinnos — it’s can wreak havoc on your energy and stress levels.
When your body is stressed, junk foods can actually increase stress hormone levels. Opt for foods that combat stress.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. Here are some delicious snacking and easy meal prep ideas.
Take a break from social media
Also known as digital detox, there’s plenty of research out there to back that stepping away from your devices can benefit your sleep, relationships, and overall health.
I do enjoy sharing my food photos and fond memories with friends and family online, but one of the issues with social media is being bombarded by others’ accomplishments. Sometimes, we can’t help but compare ourselves, adding to stress, anxiety, and self-doubt.
With Christmas around the corner, it’s a good time to take a break from social media to be present with the people around you.
Get a massage
Self-care might vary from person to person, but I’m pretty sure massages make it onto everyone’s list for an ideal self-care activity.
Swedish massages and deep tissue massages are recommended for stress-relief and muscle tension.
In addition to stress relief, continued massage therapy can reduce overall body aches and pains and increase energy levels.
Exercise
Exercise is a natural stress reliever with huge benefits to your overall health.
Heart pumping activities produce endorphins, the feel-good neurotransmitters responsible for that feeling of euphoria.
At the end of the year, group class studios such as yoga, spin, and boxing classes typically offer holiday specials. Take advantage of these offers! You might find an exercise or gym you love making that new years resolution that much sweeter.
