10 Simple Ways To Avoid Holiday Burnout.

We get over excited particularly about the festive season holidays, it gets us busy from preparing for trips, shopping to hosting parties and all of that. This is because this is traditionally a season of joy, but for those people who go into the holidays already stressed out from their hectic and over-scheduled lives, the holiday season can feel like piling on. The following 10 tips will help you to get your priorities right so that you can have a happy and joyous time.

1. Perspective:

Try to keep the whole experience in its proper perspective by remembering that the holiday season represents only a very short portion of the year, which will soon be at its end. Holiday time does not necessarily need to be the most important or meaningful time of the year. Only you can decide what is most significant for you.

2. Pace Yourself.

Holiday sales and blow-outs at this time of year make it tempting to run out and get those bargains, be sure to pace yourself. The most stressful thing you can do is to wait until the last minute to get all of your shopping done, but year after year, people do it. Shop early to avoid the aggravation of parking, lines, and the overall rushed feeling that comes with last minute shopping.

3. Have Proper Planning.

Always think before committing to any responsibility or social event. Don’t make any snap decisions and give yourself time to reflect on any proposed commitment or responsibility. Decide what the right level of social activity is for you to feel happiest from a party every day to none at all, and plan accordingly.

4. Give Yourself Permission.

Give yourself permission, to feel as you do and to make the choices you need. Do not judge or compare your feelings or actions with those of anyone else. You have the right to define for yourself the things that are important for you and the ways you plan to make the holidays enjoyable and meaningful for you.

5. Shop Online.

If the crowds stress you out, avoid them. In this day and age, there is no need to stress out standing in a line that goes around the building. Just open up your laptop in the comfort of your home and enjoy a nice cup of tea while searching for those perfect gifts.

6. Delegate.

A common weakness among high-achievers is that they don’t delegate enough. They often do things better and faster than most people, so they are chronic do-it-yourselfers. However, doing everything yourself puts you on the fast track to burnout. So, especially during this hustling, bustling season, don’t be shy about delegating.

7. Don’t Over-Commit Yourself.

Commit to attend some social events, but why push yourself to attend them all? Instead, schedule some time for yourself to wind down and relax. You can actually plan a silent night during the holidays by blocking out some down time in your calendar.

8.  Pick Your Priorities.

Most people can’t do everything they wish they could do during the holidays, so you need to examine your what is most important to you and let go of the rest. Take 15 to 20 minutes and make a list of what you’d like to do this season, then pare it down to what is most meaningful and important for you.

9. Be Realistic.

High-achievers tend to be perfectionists, but when you expect perfection in your holiday preparations, expect a lot of added and unnecessary stress and fatigue as well. If you’re planning to host a party, do you really need to prepare a major feast? How about trying an assortment of easy-to-make side dishes or appetizers? Or better yet, why not share the load by making the event a pot luck?

10. Sleep.

It’s a simple equation: sleep = more energy. If won’t feel energized if you are tired. So don’t let the craziness of the season cause you to sacrifice sleep. While it’s normal during the holidays to have more on your to-do list than usual, that shouldn’t result in sleep dropping off your to-do list. In fact, it should be at the top!