You are not alone: End-of-year fatigue

At this time of year, it is common to feel tired and under pressure. Altitude Advisory Partner, Kristen Buik shares some easy, practical steps you can take to make sure you get done what you need to without burning yourself out.

It is common, especially at this time of year, to feel a sort of end-of-year fatigue setting in. Almost everyone I speak to lately talks to me about the days flying by, needing to put in more hours to produce the same result, feeling less energetic, have higher levels of anxiety and maybe feeling a little irritable. Basically, we are spinning our wheels and it gets us down.

So what might be the cause of this feeling and what can we do to alleviate it? Obviously, we have the same number of hours in a day as we always have, we have the benefit of technology to ‘help’ us be more efficient and a much greater awareness around the elusive work/life balance.

As business owners, we need to recognise the signs of fatigue and stress in ourselves, our employees and customers, too. All of us lose steam as the end-of-year approaches. Doctors agree that it’s not unusual to struggle both physically and mentally during this time.

There are easy, practical steps you can take to make sure you get done what you need to without burning yourself out. Remember to focus on things you can control, continue healthy habits and remain as committed to proper rest as you are to hard work.

• Make a list of priorities to see you through to Christmas, delegate or forget everything else
• Focus on the positives and celebrate the small wins
• Get plenty of sleep
• Keep eating well and get some exercise daily
• Be patient and understanding with yourself and others – you have nearly made it!

And take the time to enjoy the festive season, and the break over Christmas, if you are taking one.