8 Ways to Deal with End-of-Year Fatigue

As December approaches, you might find yourself staring at your calendar with a mix of dread and exhaustion. Sounds familiar? End-of-year fatigue is a common experience that can weigh us down just when we want to enjoy the holiday season the most.?

In fast-paced cities, like Singapore, many individuals experience a phenomenon known as ‘End-of-Year Fatigue’. It typically occurs between November to December, often caused by the accumulation of stress over time. With packed workdays, tight deadlines, and growing social obligations during the holidays, this weariness can feel overwhelming.?

How does end-of-year fatigue affect us and more importantly, what can we do about it?

A Growing Concern in Singapore?

Singapore’s pace of life is relentless. A staggering 85% of Singapore employees were reported to be at extreme risk of burnout in 2023 (Tilo, 2022). ‘Burnout’ as defined by the World Health Organisation, is an occupational syndrome resulting from ongoing workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.?

This strongly highlights the high levels of stress and fatigue experienced by workers, especially in the final months of the year which are especially difficult. Stress levels are heightened by the combination of yearly financial closures, quarterly performance assessments, and the need to achieve both personal and professional objectives.

In addition, the holiday season, while filled with joy, has its own unique set of challenges – organising travel, attending social gatherings, and shopping for gifts. When all of these are combined, one may become physically and psychologically exhausted.?

Recognising the Signs of End-of-Year Fatigue?

‘Fatigue’ can often be easily misunderstood as mere tiredness, but end-of-year fatigue comes with its own distinct signs that extend beyond just feeling worn out.?

• Changing of moods: A noticeable increase in feeling pessimistic or irritable, where small inconveniences feel disproportionately frustrating.?

• Physical exhaustion: Persistently feeling lethargic, coupled with a lack of energy, despite having adequate rest.?

• Poor concentration: Difficulty focusing, making decisions, or being distracted easily.?

• Sleep problems: Restlessness, insomnia, or irregular sleep cycles often accompany prolonged stress.

• Decreased motivation: Tasks that once excited you now feel burdensome.

How End-of-Year Fatigue Impacts You

End-of-year fatigue doesn’t just affect your energy levels, but it can also have far-reaching consequences on various aspects of life, sometimes even influencing those around you.?

• Workplace Performance: Fatigued workers experience a 66% rate of lost productivity due to cognitive decline and inability to focus, compared to a 26% productivity loss in healthy employees (Ergonomic Trends, 2020). This can result in errors, missed deadlines, or strained professional relationships.?
• Personal Relationships: Fatigue can result in less tolerance and greater irritation, making it difficult to sustain healthy relationships. Tension with loved ones might arise from misunderstandings or a lack of energy for meaningful conversations.

• Mental Health: Fatigue weakens mental resilience, making it harder to handle stress or maintain a positive attitude. Feelings of self-criticism or inadequacy can be intensified during the end-of-year time, which is frequently linked to both professional and personal evaluations.

• Physical Health: Fatigue weakens the immune system, increasing vulnerability to illnesses. Chronic sleep deprivation, for instance, is associated with a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses.

With these significant impacts, it is important to take proactive steps to address end-of-year fatigue. By doing so, you can protect your well-being, nurture relationships with those around you, and enhance your overall quality of life.?

Your Toolkit for Beating End-of-Year Burnout

1. Prioritise Self-Care: Recharge your body and mind with activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

• Indulge in relaxation: Treat yourself to a spa session or unwind with yoga and meditation.
• Immerse in nature: Spend time outdoors, as it helps lower stress hormones and blood pressure. Explore serene spots like MacRitchie Reservoir or enjoy a coastal breeze at East Coast Park.

• Engage in hobbies: Give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures like reading a book, painting, or trying a new recipe.?

2. Set Boundaries: Learning to say “no” when needed is essential for preserving your energy and focus.

• At Work: If faced with overwhelming deadlines, communicate assertively. For instance, say, “I’d love to take this on, but can we adjust the timeline?” This maintains professionalism while setting realistic expectations.

• Socially: The festive season in Singapore often comes with numerous invites. Decline graciously with responses like, “Thanks for the invite, but I’m taking some rest this week. Let’s catch up after the holidays!”

3. Eat Healthy and Exercise Regularly: Nourishing your body with proper food and movement can greatly improve your well-being.

• Balanced meals: Opt for whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of leafy greens to maintain energy and support overall health.

• Gentle exercise: A short, brisk walk or a session of stretching can release endorphins, boosting your mood and alleviating stress.

4. Seek Support: Reaching out for help can make challenges more manageable and help you feel less alone.

• Share your thoughts: Confiding in trusted friends or family can help ease emotional burdens.?

• Community resources: Explore support networks like Resilience Collective, a Singapore-based mental health charity offering peer support and safe spaces for young adults with lived experience of mental health conditions.

5. Practice Gratitude: Cultivating gratitude can shift your perspective and foster positivity.

• Daily journaling: Each night, write down three things you’re thankful for, no matter how small. For instance, “I’m happy to have a great chat with a colleague over lunch today.”

• Acts of kindness: Volunteer with organisations like Willing Hearts or join festive gift-giving drives to spread cheer and connect with the community

6. Plan Ahead: Avoid last-minute stress by organising your schedule effectively.

• Buffer days: Add rest days to your calendar for moments of peace. Consider scheduling “do-nothing days” where you can relax or engage in light activities like watching your favourite movie or cooking a comforting meal.

7. Digital Detox: Reducing screen time helps improve sleep quality and lowers stress.

• Evening alternatives: Replace screens with calming activities like reading, journaling, or taking an evening stroll.

• Festive exploration: Take a digital break by soaking in Singapore’s holiday atmosphere, such as marvelling over the festive lights along Orchard Road.

Conclusion

While end-of-year fatigue may feel inevitable in our fast-paced lives, it does not have to overshadow the season’s joys and opportunities. The end of the year is a time for reflection, celebration, and rejuvenation. By addressing fatigue with intentionality, you can finish 2024 on a high note, setting the stage for a more fulfilling and energised 2025!