Experiencing End-of-Year Fatigue? Here’s How To Cope Up and Get Pumped for 2022

Ever notice how the hardest part of any race is right towards the end when you’re just about to cross the finish line?. Similarly, as we draw nearer to the end of yet another challenging year, feeling exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally is totally understandable. This doesn’t mean that we’re weak but is a sign of end-of-the year burnout also known as year-end fatigue. Yes, this is a real phenomenon causing people to be irritable, tired, and overwhelmed. You might also experience feelings of helplessness, low motivation and hopelessness.

So how do you know if you’re just tired or it’s fatigue? Fatigue is a feeling of constant tiredness or weakness. It is important to understand fatigue is a symptom, and not a condition. According to Sonal Singh, Co-founder and Director, Fittr, if you feel you’re consistently fatigued, which is an overwhelming tiredness that is not relieved by rest and sleep, you may have a medical condition and it is advised to see a doctor at the earliest.

Causes of end of the year burnout

Usually around the end of the year, there is a rush to get things done, be it at work or in your personal life. From family commitments to achieving year end goals and added pressure of upcoming year, all can be a bit too overwhelming further leading to disrupted sleep patterns, headaches, nausea, having a low mood, lacking in concentration, and withdrawing from loved ones. 

How to deal with year-end fatigue?

Here are a few ways to recover from exhaustion and fatigue and start the 2022 with renewed energy and intention.

Steer away from social media as much as possible

Everybody is familiar with the phrase digital detox or not using social media for a time period. While completely shutting yourself off the social media seems a bit too much, one can fit mini digital detox into their workday. While going to meet a friend, leave your phone in the car and enjoy their company or set timers on the applications you use the most, so that after you have exceeded your time, the app will get blocked automatically for that day. You can of course remove the timer whenever you want. According to Shilagh Mirgain, UW Health psychologist, limiting the use of technology can result into more productivity and increased focus, more mindfulness and closer relationship with friends and family. 

Get a good night’s sleep

When you are experiencing fatigue, sleep gets affected the most. You either don’t sleep at all or sleep in breaks, thus ending up feeling more tired than usual. Though it might seem that you need to sleep for straight 18 hours it is good to get a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep for brain to rejuvenate as it can help lift up your mood as well as increase productivity. It is okay to have a lazy day and sleep throughout the day. You deserve some rest. 

Also Read: 5 Bedtime Teas That Can Help You Sleep Peacefully Through The Night

Power-up!

While exercise might be the last thing in your mind, it’s critical to stick to a fitness regime as exercise is a good way to relieve stress! It’s not necessary to devote two hours of your day to gym and exercise. Even if you can spare 30 minutes for simple running or walking, then it can significantly help in reducing stress and making the body healthier.

Find comfort in healthy food

Eating healthy and making sure your body is nourished helps in combating stress and boosts energy. It is advisable not to skip meals and eat healthy and balanced meals. It is okay to indulge in your favorite comfort foods every now and then but try avoiding junk food as according to a study published in the journal Nutrients, junk food consumption leads to increased stress in people. 

Also Read: Don’t be Health Washed. Decode Foods That Are Labelled As Healthy With Tips Celeb Nutritionist

Practice gratitude 

Dr. Guy Winch, author of the book Emotional First Aid said that ‘gratitude is an emotion that grounds us and is a great way to balance out the negative mindset that uncertainty engenders’. Showing gratitude and reminding yourself of the bigger things that you are grateful for, instead of becoming bogged down in negative feelings releases dopamine and serotonin- two hormones that make us feel lighter and happier inside and in turn beat the stress and lift the mood. 

Before you get completely exhausted and run out of options to cope with year-end fatigue, slow down and change your rhythm. Don’t be harsh on yourself. Check in with yourself throughout the day and stay connected with your feelings. Take out time to recharge and gear up for 2022 which is full of new beginnings and possibilities. 

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