Planning ahead for your holiday burn-out

Christmas decorations are in the stores, holiday music is playing and there is white stuff on the ground. But it’s not too late. If you start right now, you can plan for your holiday burnout and make this year your most stressed festive season ever. Maybe you’ve already started.

Wait a minute.

We don’t really want to be stressed out, overwhelmed and over-extended during the holidays. But that’s exactly what we do year after year.

That’s because we make unconscious choices that lead to holiday burnout.

See if you recognize yourself in any of these sure-fire burnout tips:

• Say yes to all holiday social events especially the ones you don’t really want to attend.
• Go wild with holiday treats. High fat, high calorie, low nutrition items may not be available after the holidays so best to consume them all now.
• Skip your regular workouts. There will always be time in January for the same old resolution to get in shape…again.
• Spend more on gifts than your budget allows. Another whatzit from the mall is definitely a way to express your love and appreciation for family and friends.
• Leave as many things as you can until the last minute. Cramming your never ending to-do list into the few days before Christmas is a great way to maintain the holiday spirit.
• Let your inner control freak take charge. Obsessing over the details will make the holidays perfect.
• Remember this is a magical time of the year so hold on to your expectations that everyone will be on their best behaviour, especially family members.

When you read that list, you might think it sounds crazy. And it probably is. But unfortunately these are exactly the kinds of things we do when the holidays roll around. We over-indulge, we overspend, and we over-commit ourselves.

You actually can plan ahead for your holiday burnout by making conscious choices to avoid having one. Focus on experiences and making memories, not on things. Indulge in the treats of the season in moderation. Take time to care for your physical and emotional well-being. Say no to some stuff. Have fun. Most importantly be present to the moments. Practice mindfulness.

When we look back on our most favourite holidays, what we remember are the important things – love, laughter, kindness and connection. Plan with those in mind and burnout becomes a part of the past.