Three Tips To Prevent Burnout This Holiday Season
The holiday season is stated to be, "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," but if that's the case, how is it that it is actually shown to be the highest rate for depression and suicide?
This time of year is very near and dear to my heart and whether you are new to my content or have been following for awhile, I am super passionate about assisting those who struggle during the holidays.
So before I share my three tips with you, I want to address a couple of things.
My heart goes out to you. There is so much pressure, especially with all of the highlight reels you see on social media. Everyone else seems so happy, looks like they have it altogether, and whether you realize it or not, this has a tendency of making you feel worse about yourself. You wish you could have that loved one with you to spend the holidays with. You wish your financial situation was different. You wish you had a group of family and friends that you were able to get along with and make amazing memories with.
Many are grieving. Many, feel all alone....even if surrounded by a ton of people.
Now on the flip side, many do not actually enjoy the holidays because they have so much to do, too many places to be, and are constantly rushing to get to the next thing. Yet again, this is exhausting and unfulfilling because no ounce of you is enjoying any of it.
Okay, Coach Jayme...this isn't helping. Give me a moment, I'm about to flip the script.
This truly is an incredible time of year. The reason of the season, Jesus. Not only that, but this time of year places more emphasis on giving, loving and spreading joy. This is something we should be trying to do all throughout the year, but we all know that's easier said than done.
Yes, this world can bring a lot of ugly, but man, it is so insanely beautiful as well. Sometimes, we just have to change our focus.
Alright...I feel like one of those recipe blogs where all you want is to see the recipe, but instead, you have a novel to scroll through first. I won't bore you with all of the wonderful things you deserve to appreciate this holiday season. However, if you are someone who is actually reading this instead of skipping straight to the tips, you're already one step ahead of the game. Congrats to you! ;)
If you are ready to make this holiday season better and prevent burnout, start with these three, simple tips. But listen....there's a catch. Just reading this won't change it. YOU have to actually put it into action (that's your punch of accountability by the way).
TIP 1:
Slow Down.
*No, seriously. The world makes you feel that everything has to happen right this instant. Our attention spans have gotten shorter and shorter and very rarely does anyone do something by itself WITHOUT multitasking.
Remind yourself to focus on one thing at a time. Slowing down will help you become more present, appreciating what's right in front of you-instead of wasting all of your energy on what tomorrow or next week will be like.
Bonus Idea: MAKE the time to sit down and map out a game plan for the week and/or month. Really process what the must do's on your calendar are and start building off of that. Again, SLOW DOWN, and actually digest what's on your calendar.
TIP 2:
Stick To Your Schedule.
*Everyone goes into "holiday mode," and mentally checks out from all routine.
WARNING: I do NOT recommend this.
Falling off of your routine, only makes it harder to get back to it or even worse, keeps you from actually creating a routine. This is where the dreadful, "I'll start fresh on January 1" comes in.
Again...side note, in case you are new here, I DO NOT get down with New Year's Resolutions or waiting for the New Year to be great. Life is happening now and we are not promised tomorrow. YOU are in control of how you live your life...you shouldn't want a vacation from that.
If you do, this is your sign to book that call with me. There's a far better way to live.
TIP 3:
Start Saying No.
*You don't have to say yes to everything that pops up on your calendar. I know of a lot of people who struggle with FOMO (fear of missing out) and end up burning out because they feel they have to show up to everything. I promise you...it will be okay if you don't make it this time.
Bonus : Really think about why you are feeling you need to go or say yes to something. Is it because you feel obligated? Do you feel not being there is going to make people love you less? Are you letting someone guilt trip you?
Really sit with this. I can't speak on your situation personally, but my perspective is that what good is it to have your body present if your mind isn't? You've now just wasted time and energy to show up for something that didn't serve you or them. Deep down, these kinds of situations end up leading to resentment, feeling worse about yourself or just down right exhaustion. This may even leave other people feeling different as well. It's okay to say no. If it's really something that means a lot to you but there are other things that take larger priority, make it a point to get something on the calendar in the future to spend time with those people or get that thing done.
...And revert back to Tip #1. Slow down. Think it through. Figure out WHY you feel how you do about the situation and whether or not it really makes sense to overwhelm yourself to make it happen.
Again, I encourage you to do something with this information. Not tomorrow, not next year. NOW!
I hope you do these things and allow yourself to enjoy this holiday season. For those of you that are feeling alone and are struggling, I want you to know that you are loved and most certainly are not alone in feeling this way. For those who are hurting and grieving, I pray that God provides you peace and comfort while trying to navigate this holiday season without your loved ones.
Thank you for finding value in me to read this blog and if you know someone who would benefit from reading this, please pass it along.
And finally, if you are someone who is needing guidance with establishing a better schedule/routine, learning how to set proper boundaries, or find more fulfillment in your life, schedule your Complimentary Discovery Session with me today. Stop waiting for things to change. Choose now that you deserve to create that change.
https://www.jaymeshiarlacoaching.com/services
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you!
With Love and Gratitude,
Coach Jayme