End of year burnout
Tips and tricks
Feeling stressed as the holiday season draws near? Let’s examine some strategies to help manage end of year fatigue.
While the end of year period can be something to look forward to, it’s also been commonly associated with increased mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.1 Work-related stress that has built up over the year, combined with more social obligations than normal, can often leave us feeling exhausted and irritable rather than festive.2
Luckily there are things you can do to help manage the impact of this time of the year on your mental health. Here are a few simple strategies you may want to consider.
Take time off
You may be wary of taking a holiday at this time of year because of the added expense of travel costs, but it’s still important to look after yourself. Try and take advantage of lower workloads over the holiday season and take a break from work, even if it’s just a short one spent at home.
Manage your expectations
The holiday season can often come with unrealistic expectations about creating ‘perfect’ memories.3 Try to accept that time spent with loved ones may not be perfect, and that it is not your job to make it that way. For instance, you may not need to stretch yourself financially to buy that extra present, or accept another invitation to a get-together if you are feeling exhausted.
Care for yourself
A busier calendar of social and family obligations can sometimes result in less time for the activities that make you feel good, such as exercise or meditation. Try to build in time for these activities, even if it’s for a few minutes a day.
Prioritise your workload
Many businesses in Australia impose some type of holiday shut down period4, which can create pressure for employees to get things done before this break. If you have a lot of work you believe you need to finish before the end of the year, you may want to sit down with your manager and prioritise what really needs to be done before this date, and what may be able to wait.
Disconnect from technology
If you’re taking time off at the end of the year, try to ‘unplug’ as much as possible – research has linked using your phone with an increase in anxiety and stress.5 By taking the time to put down your phone and disconnect from work emails and social media, you may be more likely to have a relaxing break and be fully present with loved ones.
For more information on other wellbeing topics, and on ClearView’s recovery services for customers on claim, check out our wellbeing page.
1 Christmas – tips to reduce the stress. Victorian Government Better Health Channel, 31 October 2022
2 How to cope with end of year burnout. Forbes.com, 16 December 2022
3 Christmas can be stressful. Victorian Government Better Health Channel, 2 November 2022
4 Rules and entitlements during the end of year holiday season. Fair Work Ombudsman, 13 October 2023
5 Problematic smartphone use and its relationship to anxiety and depression. Anxiety.org, 4 November 2023
This article is made available by ClearView Life Assurance Limited ABN 12 000 021 581 (ClearView).Should financial product advice be included, this is intended to provide general information only. The information has been prepared without taking into account any particular person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek independent financial advice and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decision about a product. Before acting on such information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. ClearView recommends that you obtain personal financial advice and read the relevant PDS before making any decision about a product. This information also does not in any way constitute tax, legal, financial or health advice and before relying on this information, you should seek independent expert advice. ClearView is not a health insurer or otherwise carrying on a health insurance business. This article should not be considered as health advice, and you should always obtain advice from a relevant health provider. This document is current as at November 2023. ClearView can vary or withdraw this document at any time. This article should not be seen as a recommendation in relation to a provider and while ClearView have taken all care to ensure the information in this article is accurate and reliable, to the extent the law permits ClearView does not assume liability to any person for any error or omission in the article however caused.
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