During the festive period, it might feel like there is so much to do and so many people to see. But one question is vital, are you making enough time to recharge your batteries?
It is normal to feel worn out after filling your weekends with social plans after a busy working week and during the most social period of the year, you don’t need pressure on yourself to ‘make the most of it’. In the long term, you’ll end up causing yourself burnout and being unable to enjoy any social occasions.
With so much to do and so many people to see over the hectic festive season, you might struggle to find the time to recharge your batteries and keep going.
It is easy to see how a packed social calendar can lead to fatigue, anxiety, or guilt, slowly draining your social energy. To make the most of the festivities, it is important to find ways to include some rest and recuperation.
Founder of OYNB, Ruari Fairbairns, shares his expertise on how to stay energised during the hectic festive period.
1) Social anxiety
Social anxiety can escalate when there is a lot going on, and lead to heightened self-consciousness or a fear of being negatively judged by others.
Social anxiety can also trigger an increase in alcohol consumption as a ‘social lubricant’. The downside is that in the long run, alcohol can exacerbate anxiety when you’re sober.
2) Social hangovers
What is a ‘social hangover’? It’s the exhaustion you feel from a huge increase in your social plans– usually piled on top of a crazy festive work schedule, shopping and a huge do-to list.
Both introverts and extroverts can feel socially hungover from the extra interactions and partying. What’s the answer?
3) Finding balance in your social calendar
It is essential you make time to do things that nourish and recharge you. The truth is self-care, and any hope of relaxation can be pushed to the bottom of the pile unless you plan it into your busy life.
Make a serious commitment to yourself to stop and relax. It could be that you promise yourself the time to just wind down in front of the TV, take a warm bath, or even book a massage.
4) Don’t over commit
It is normal to wish to fill all your free time with fun plans but packing your schedule to the brim can be a fast route to burnout.
Try to set out enough time for you to have a breather between different activities and remind yourself that it is okay to not attend every occasion you are invited to.
5) Practise a culture of flexibility
You can influence change in your social circles by talking about being socially overwhelmed or exhausted. As a group, perhaps you could take a more flexible view of your social plans, making it ok for any of you to say you’re exhausted and need a night off.
6) Carve out slots for ‘me time’
Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of some ‘me time’ in recovering during your busy week. A tired, burned-out version of you doesn’t help anyone.
Mark out time in your diary to care for yourself in readiness for the next big gathering. A healthy balance = fun for all. Too much of anything can be taxing, but with the right approach, you can have a fun, festive social life minus the burnout.
Recharge your social batteries between events and make sure to take care of you.