Can the holidays contribute to burnout?
Most of us look forward to the holidays, whether focused on religious traditions or on family get togethers. But sometimes the holidays are difficult and can aggravate ongoing symptoms of burnout. If someone close to us is ill or has died, we feel the stress more acutely at this time of year. If we’re struggling with job loss, it hits us harder in these dark, December days. And if we’re frustrated with our lives, the contrast to what we think we should be feeling, can wear us down.
According to Christina Maslach, a leading expert on burnout, “Burnout as lost energy, lost enthusiasm and lost confidence.” Think about that–that’s a lot of loss. So right now, take a moment to think about what brings you joy–what makes you smile. It could be something simple like making cookies you loved as a child, or inviting a neighbor over for tea. My best friend gave me a book of Christmas stories, and my husband is reading them aloud to me. That is the perfect gift–quiet, reflective, healing. Keep your expectations simple. Let go of doing too much. Be present with the people in your life. This won’t stop the chaos that is often part of our holiday celebrations, but this mindset will help you enjoy it. Just before my grand kids arrive I remind myself that this is lovely chaos, and I do my best to let go of a neat house and perfect meals.
Gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to banish burnout, so be on the lookout for ways to practice this. And great news–tonight is the winter solstice, marking the longest night of the year. But guess what? The days will now get longer, inch by inch. Now that makes me smile.