5 ways to avoid festive burnout

Blog Article | By The Simplyhealth Team | Published: 08 December 2022

The build up to the festive period isn’t always filled with sparkle and joy. For some it can be a stressful time, which is why we’ve put together five tips to help you avoid festive burnout and keep your Christmas spirits high.

Make your festivities achievable

The expectation around Christmas can often spiral out of control, with grand gifts and a home so full of decorations it resembles Santa’s grotto. Regain control, work out what is important to you about this time of year and ask your family members the same.

Maybe it’s getting dressed up and eating a delicious roast or an afternoon of festive fun and games or spending the whole day in your pyjamas eating chocolate. Whatever you want your celebrations to be, make sure it’s achievable, that way you won’t be disappointed or feel overwhelmed.

Person with calculator and Christmas gifts

Set a spending budget

Setting a budget is more important than ever this year due to the cost-of-living crisis. Make sure you discuss a limit, with your family and friends, which everyone is happy to spend.

Budgeting for the gifts you’ll give will alleviate stress, as you will be able to plan your money for the busy month ahead. Remember to stick to it & don’t be tempted to go overboard!

Plan your time in advance

December seems to fly by and before you know it the big day is here. But with so much to do and so little time how on earth can you fit it all in?

Start planning early, write a thorough list of all the tasks you need to carry out and share the load. If you can, ask for help from friends and family to get everything done.

Ask for a wish list

Stress less this year about finding the perfect gift. Why not just ask people to let you know what they want? Ask for a few options so there is still an element of surprise but negates the unwanted gift which will spend the rest of the year at the back of a cupboard.

Person reading and drinking coffee by a Christmas tree

Protect your daily routine

The key to staying calm is to stick to your normal routine as much as possible, don’t skip it. Remember lots of sleep and eating a healthy balanced diet is still super important over the festive period.

When planning where you’re spending your time this year, set clear boundaries and expectations and make sure you still schedule in time to unwind and enjoy the things you love.

How Simplyhealth can help

If at any point it all gets a bit much and you need some support with your feelings, or advice on how to cope, Simplyhealth health plan customers can access our 24/7 counselling and advice service.

Not a customer? Find out more.

Look after your mental wellbeing this Christmas The Healthy Living Hub

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