December 2023 Newsletter | Avoiding End of Year Burnout

November 29, 2023

This last month of the year can be frantic, full of short days, long to-do lists, high expectations and, for some, low moods that come with the winter season. With only 31 days before the new year, you may be feeling an unreasonable pressure to Get Stuff Done—way, way too much stuff. We can run ourselves ragged worrying about parties and presents, losing sight of why we have those things this time of year to begin with. Before we get too far into December, let’s look at some steps we can take to avoid reaching an overwhelmed state during the most hectic time of the year.

Prioritize

No one can do everything. The people you see getting the most done either have help or are burning the candle at both ends (and on a collision course with burnout). During busy times, it’s important to prioritize what’s important. Which deadlines are essential (anything related to your taxes, 401(K), and FSA) and which deadlines are artificial (decorating your whole house by December 1st). When there aren’t really deadlines but it still feels like you have a mountain of things to get done, the CBT concept of clarifying your Core Values can help guide you to where your efforts are most warranted. Your Core Values are the most important things to you (below is a non-exhaustive list of common values). By working out which of these values is at the top of your list, you can prioritize what is most important to accomplish this month. 

Is family a top value? Then prioritize activities where you can spend time with your loved ones. Is helpfulness something you value above all else? Then prioritize your volunteer work over less important tasks.

Achievement

Adventurousness

Authenticity

Bravery

Cleanliness

Comfort

Competence

Curiosity

Creativity

Empathy

Family

Friends

Gratitude

Grit

Helpfulness

Independence

Intellect

Kindness

Leadership

Liveliness

Loyalty

Love

Modesty

Organization

Patience

Sociability

Wealth

Wisdom

Let go of some things (including guilt)

Remember how we said no one can do everything alone? Even if you prioritize everything on your list according to your values, your list may still be too long to accomplish. Consider letting go of some of your lesser-valued tasks or, if you feel those things still need to be done, ask for help (this includes asking for free help as well as paying for help, should means allow). 

We often assign ourselves much more than we need to do. It’s become increasingly common to make our to-do lists longer than they need to be, especially if we feel anxious about not having something to do, or feel like we’re not achieving enough. We may feel guilty not completing a task or accomplishing a goal we’ve set for ourselves. But we should consider if the tasks and goals we set for ourselves are essential or if we’re just doing things for the sake of doing them.

Remember what this time of year is about

Much of the history behind wintertime celebrations comes from just how gloomy it can be this time of year. Our lights and gatherings are a talisman to ward off the dark and lonely feelings that come with naked tree branches and gray, windy skies. Spending time with those we love, sharing food and making merry, and remembering the things that are most important to each of us (Core Values!) is what this time is all about. Everything else is secondary. 

Give yourself a break

You probably do a lot. Most people do. This era in history, and American society especially, is a constant force pushing everyone to do more, to have more, to be more. If you feel exhausted, it’s no wonder. Give yourself permission to pause regularly, to slow down. This is made more possible by remembering the three tips above. When you have your priorities in order, don’t take on more than you can handle, and keep the true spirit of the season in focus, you will find that the excess falls away, leaving more space for a quiet moment.