Hacks to Beat End-of-Year Fatigue and Be More Productive

Do you feel tired, overwhelmed and less productive this time of year?

You’re not alone. According to experts, you’re just one of thousands struggling with ‘end-of-year fatigue’ – a real phenomenon causing people to feel tired, irritable, and overwhelmed as the year draws to a close.

Common contributors include looming deadlines as we rush to finish (or even start) all the things we haven’t quite got around to, further burdened by the addition of social festivities in the diary.

If left unchecked, end-of-year fatigue can lead to all sorts of health problems, including anxiety and burnout.

If you’re struggling to keep up with the pace, here are some tips and tools to help refocus and re-energise. These strategies can help you rest, recharge, and tackle the new year with a fresh mindset.

Find Time For You

Stress is one of the key contributors to end-of-year fatigue and low energy. Whether its work, family or other life commitments, it’s important to recognise what is causing you to feel stressed, as well as solutions and strategies to help manage it.

Whilst there’s no quick fix for stress, there are some simple things you can do to help to reduce it. Many people find adding meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques into their day helps them to feel more relaxed and in turn, energised.

Plan Ahead (And Be Realistic)

Overcommitting is not just mentally draining but counterproductive as well. Not to mention, the continuous cognitive load might cause a full-blown burnout. Make a list of important tasks you need to accomplish the next day, before going to bed. Keep the to-do-list simple and realistic. This will keep you from overcommitting, ensuring you’ve enough time to check off all the items on that list.

Prioritise Sleep

Sleep deprivation can make your mind foggy from weariness, adversely affecting your mood, focus, alertness, and productivity. Getting enough sleep is critical for brain rejuvenation. Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep. Make sure your bedroom helps you feel relaxed and sleepy: clear the clutter, have comfortable and warm bedding, and turn off your phone and TV.

Get Outside

The shorter daylight hours in winter months can, in fact, have a large impact on your energy levels. In the depths of winter, many find ourselves entering the workplace in darkness and leaving in darkness, leaving no opportunity to reap the benefits of sunlight.

When sunlight reaches your eyes, it helps to align your circadian rhythm which impacts the hormones (such as cortisol) that help us feel energised. Whether it’s going for a lunchtime walk or getting off the bus a few stops early, make an effort to get outside.

Make Yourself Undistractable

You can have all the time and energy in the world, but if you are constantly being bombarded with distractions and interruptions, this will be sure to take a toll on your efficiency.

Creating a space free from distractions is key to uphold concentration for extended periods of time. For example, keep your phone on silent or put it in another room while focussing on your key tasks. Not only will you be a lot more disciplined, but you’ll get a lot more done!