MDF Magazine Issue 72 December 2023

Sandra’s thoughts on
end-of-year fatigue
By Sandra Bredell
Some of us endure feelings of exhaustion, irritability, insomnia,
difficulty maintaining concentration and even a loss of
appetite as the year ends. There is such a thing as "end-ofyear
fatigue", which happens in the lead-up to the end of the
year holiday season. In addition to obligations to family and
other commitments, our bodies' wellness is disrupted because
they are not designed to withstand the stresses of the modern
world.
But, instead of focusing on the negative and the challenges
that we face, let’s look at some suggestions on self-care to
help you avoid letting end-of-year exhaustion escalate as the
holidays and the new year draw near.
asleep.
4. Exercise or focus on moving as your body allows you to.
To sustain your energy and enable you to manage the
tasks you need to accomplish, you must engage in movement,
whatever form suits you best.
5. Claim some time to relax.
Don't wait until you're exhausted and anxious, rest is essential!
6. Focus on getting a better quality of sleep.
At least seven hours of sleep is needed each night to restore
and recharge your body and mind.
1. You need to make time for yourself.
2. Eat regularly and maintain a good diet.
Your body needs the right food as fuel to provide you with
energy so that you can maintain your lifestyle and complete
the activities that you need to.
3. Decide to cut down on time spent on social media.
As much as we enjoy conversing with our friends and
family via social media, sharing photos and experiences, it
can also be tiring. Therefore, set some time aside to do
this, but refrain from spending too much time during the
day on it. It is also important not to be on your phone just
before bedtime. Rather do some reading before you fall
7. Organize
the space around you.
A neat, orderly space boosts your sense of control, lowers
anxiety, and enhances your self-esteem.
8. Learn to say “no” if you cannot take on another com
mitment or task.
This is possibly the most difficult of all, but also the most
significant. It's just not possible to do everything all the
time. Exhausting yourself in response to every request is
an easy way to burn out, and turning down requests
doesn't have to be unsettling or harsh.
So, in a nutshell, make recuperation a high priority. Get lots of
rest. Don't spend too much time on electronics. Tell a friend,