How To Avoid an Energy Burnout During the Holiday Season!

The holiday season can sometimes be very tiring, stressful and exhausting from having such a busy social calendar, holiday planning etc., that we tend to get worn down and stressed out during a time when we’re supposed to be relaxed.

To keep your energy levels up, make sure you know your personal warning signs of fatigue, so that you can take steps before it’s too late.

Certain conditions that place people at a higher risk of exhaustion include (but are not limited to) chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, glandular fever, cancer, multiple sclerosis, or influenza.

Symptoms of a Burnout :

• MENTAL: fatigue, depletion, forgetfulness, inability to focus, sleeplessness

• PHYSICAL: chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, weakened immune system, loss of appetite

• EMOTIONAL: a sense of dread for what lies ahead, tension, sadness, exacerbated anxiety and depression

So How Can You Take Back Your Holiday Spirit?

1. Say no to that event you’re not too keen on – if you need to miss an event to recharge then the people closest to you will understand.

2. Find out what increases your energy – for e.g. a nice walk around your local park, hanging out in nature, playing with your pet etc.

3. Wait til 5 to survive – it helps if your self-rated energy level was a 5/10, or even higher, before attempting the next activity during your day. Any lower than this then you will continue to fatigue yourself.

4. Know your signs – tired eyes, yawns, ‘nodding off’, wondering how you got from A to B etc It is important to know what your tell-tale signs are in order to manage them better, or ideally, prevent them.

Regardless of what causes your fatigue, it is important to find your energy management team. Good collaborative care involves many health professionals working with you towards a common goal. You may wish to enlist your GP to help with burnout and fatigue, who can then connect you to a relevant allied health provider. This may be an Exercise Physiologist, who is well placed to assist with energy, particularly in the context of physical activity levels.

If you would like to know more about managing your energy levels these holidays then contact us today at Infinite Health Chatswood - Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology & Massage Therapy on 02 9412 2222 or feel free to click here for the full article.