Five ways to AVOID Christmas Burnout

Today ‘busyness’ has become somewhat of a status symbol at the expense of both our time and health. But ‘busy’ does not always mean productive. An important fact to remember as we approach the Christmas season.

Buck the trend this year with our top five guide to avoiding burnout because TGt advises for every day not just for Christmas. You will achieve little from a sick bed. So, prioritising yourself and your health will ensure a strengthened immune system, physical and mental wellbeing.

1/ Make YOU number one

“Health is not valued until sickness comes” – Thomas Fuller

Eating well - Maintain a healthy, balanced diet of warming, vitamin-rich and immune boosting foods; citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic, spinach, Brussel sprouts, almonds and red peppers. Avoid excessive intake of caffeine and sugar-laden foods as they will only increase stress levels and anxiety.

Exercising – Christmas can expel energy levels quicker than a mince pie at the local carol service. While the thought of exercise can be exhausting in busy periods, it can increase energy levels and improve your mood. Why not try out a group class for added variety, motivation and a higher endorphin output?

2/ Prepare and planning

Whatever the occasion planning and preparation is guaranteed to reduce stress and the risk of burn out.

• You are not alone. Delegate wherever possible from peeling vegetables, present wrapping or extra dishes. Asking for help is not a failure but good time management. Christmas is about bringing people together irrespective of the circumstance.
• The freezer is your friend this Christmas. Arm yourself with bulk cooked meals guaranteed to ease the pressure in busy periods. Savvy, time-short cooks can pre-prepare roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, gravy and mince pies up to a month before the big day saving both time and stress.
• Set yourself targets and stick to them - Christmas wrapping completed by the 21st December, house cleaned by the 23rd December, sitting down by 8 pm on Christmas Eve. Realistic targets will give you time to enjoy the season and most importantly RELAX!

3/ Remain focused

Easing off – At the busiest time of year, the prospect of taking time out is likely to be the last thing on your mind. However, slowing down for the season will not only benefit you but family and friends as you prioritise the critical elements of Christmas.

Learn to say no to the unnecessary; weigh up the benefits of tasks in cost and time before embarking on them, make a list and stick to it and schedule in downtime.

4/ Gift yourself time out

Enjoying the season - For many Christmas provides a welcome break from work. Make time to enjoy this period with a little R&R. Taking time out has been proven to reduce blood pressure, muscle tension and sensitivity to pain while improving immunity and increasing circulation.

5/ Give to those less fortunate

The act of charitable giving benefits not only the recipient but the donor with those who give said to be happier, healthier and less stressed. It additionally introduces children to the importance of generosity as well as encouraging friends and family to do the same.

Christmas causes

Christmas Present Appeal

Until mid-December, many Salvation Army churches and centres across the UK will be running a Christmas Present Appeal.

You can support your local Christmas Present Appeal by donating new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present.

The gifts will then be wrapped and distributed to those in need. Click here for further information.

Trussell Trust Food Bank

The Trussell Trust runs a network of over 420 food banks, providing emergency food to people referred for support. In the last year, they gave 1,332,952 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis.

Why not help by starting a ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’? Fill a box or container with helpful items of food that for donation to a food bank on Christmas Eve. Click here for further information.

So, let’s make 2018 the best Christmas ever with TGt Bath's guide to avoiding burnout, putting you at the centre of the celebrations without the stress because you are of more value to loved ones than any gift or dinner.

Merry Christmas, wishing you a fun-filled, stress-free day!

By Emma Smith