Fall marks the beginning of festivities in the US, and it is also a busy time of the year. You may struggle with to-do lists before the festive season begins. Things suddenly move fast everywhere, from house cleaning to decorations, shopping lists, festive baking, and work commitments. You want to wrap up everything to enjoy the festivities, but last-minute stuff stresses you out.
Holiday season burnout can hit without a warning when you constantly push hard and lose sleep over small things. A 2021 survey found that almost half of the American workforce struggled with burnout at this time of the year. Stay-at-home moms, remote workers, and retirees may experience the same, as the workload increases for everyone.
Every year is the same when it comes to the festive season stress, but you can overcome it by adopting some actionable strategies. Consider breaking the season into weekly slots and handling each week at a time. In this article, we will share some easy tips to relax and unwind after a hectic week.
Avoid Your Triggers
Holiday-season stress is real, but the triggers may differ for people. For example, one in five parents experiences high stress levels that affect the enjoyment of their kids. Some people believe that winter blues contribute to their anxiety. Shopping queues, traffic jams, and sleep disturbances are likely triggers leading to burnout.
Knowing your triggers is the first step toward addressing your emotions. Commit to avoiding them during weekends. You can take a break from parenting responsibilities by sending the kids to visit their grandparents. Spend outdoor time and enjoy the sun to ward off the blues. Consider online shopping and catch up on your sleep during weekends.
Create Realistic Boundaries
A weekend brings a much-needed break after a hectic week during the festive season. But most people end up doing more, from cleaning the house to baking and shopping. Doing too much pushes you to the edge, so you must create realistic boundaries and protect your time and energy. Avoid additional commitments such as accompanying a friend for shopping or closing a work deadline.
Also, decline invitations you think may stress you out. Creating boundaries should be a habit rather than a practice for the festive season. It enables you to maintain a sense of control and balance your professional and personal life. In the long run, you can rely on it to prevent burnout.
Go the Extra Mile with Self-Care
Americans aren’t great with self-care, with a survey showing that most adults set aside only 40 minutes for relaxation daily. You shouldn’t hesitate to invest time in self-care, even more, when the holiday rush stresses you out. Adopt a weekend self-care routine that works for you. Try taking a long bath, reading a book, or going for a long walk in the woods.
CBD and Delta-9 THC products are ideal for relaxation after a long day or a hectic week. You can try Granddaddy Purple gummies as they taste good and work slowly, inducing calmness at a slow pace. The good thing about edibles is that they are discreet and offer sustainable results, keeping you relaxed for long hours.
According to Rekt Eddie’s, edibles often require a couple of hours to show effects. All you need to do is pop your gummies, relax, and have a good time. You can combine this self-care activity with your favorite book or music.
Engage in Mindfulness Activities
Mindfulness activities can be your savior when dealing with an impending holiday season burnout. Embrace meditation and deep breathing as a daily routine. You can do it for a few minutes after waking up or when going to bed. But festive weekends should include longer sessions to get your mental health on track.
Set aside an hour or two for a mindfulness activity. You can download a meditation app or consider joining a yoga class. Create a dedicated space in your home to engage in these activities without distraction. Of course, you must decorate your home for the festivities, but keeping a quiet corner ready for yourself is a great idea.
Disconnect from Technology
Excessive screen time is a growing problem in the US. According to data, 53% of Americans in the 18-40 age group struggle to reduce their screen time. The problem may be aggravated during the holidays when people check their devices more often for shopping, recipes, and décor ideas. The worst part is that too much screen time elevates the risk of burnout.
Commit to a digital detox for at least a few hours every weekend. You can do it by taking deliberate breaks from your devices and designating specific times to check emails and messages. Also, avoid screens at bedtime because blue light can cause sleep deprivation. Focus on hobbies and family time instead of mindless scrolling.
As the holiday season unfolds, you should have a plan to deal with burnout. Take proactive self-care measures and invest in self-care because you deserve it. Weekends are the best time to indulge in the simple pleasures of life. Go ahead and embrace the spirit of the season without stressing over small things.