10 Signs You Are Burning Out This Holiday Season 

We are deep in the throes of the holiday season and leaders often find themselves caught in the whirlwind of balancing professional responsibilities and personal commitments (like making it to Aunt Jenny’s for her signature Jello Fluff). 

The pressure to meet end-of-year targets, coupled with the demands of celebrations every weekend, can lead to major burnout if you are not careful. Here are 10 signs that indicate you might be on the verge of burning out this holiday season and some tips to help you do something about it.

1. Fatigue (I mean next-level tired, more than normal):
   If you find yourself constantly tired, even after a full night's sleep, it could be a sign of burnout. No matter how appealing it might seem, skip the binge-watching of the new season of The Crown and get 30 more minutes of sleep this time of year.
2. Your Productivity is Dropping:
   A noticeable decline in your usual productivity levels may indicate burnout. This is especially true if it takes you 2x to 3x the normal amount of time to do things. Prioritize the most important things that must get done before the end of the year, and let the rest go. The extra-long list is adding more stress than it is worth.
3. Extra Cranky:
   If you find yourself becoming easily irritated or frustrated with colleagues, it's time to take notice. Effective leaders maintain composure under pressure, and a short temper can be a red flag for burnout. If this is you, take one minute to yourself and try the 5-5-5 breathing technique. In for 5, hold for 5, out for 5 (repeat 4 more times).
4. Neglecting Personal Well-being:
   Leaders often prioritize the needs of their teams and organizations over their own well-being. Neglecting personal health, exercise, and nutrition can exacerbate burnout. Make sure to carve out time for self-care. If all you can handle is a little morning stretching, do it! A little bit of action toward your well-being is so much better than saying, f-it, this can wait until next year.
5. Inability to PUT DOWN THE PHONE:
   Leaders may struggle to unplug from work, especially during the holiday season. And when you do, you decide picking up your phone to numb out is a better solution. If you find yourself addicted to your phone, set a 30-minute timer, put your phone face down, and don’t look at it until the timer goes off. If that is really hard for you, do it again!
6. You Lost Your Laugh:
   A loss of enthusiasm for work or the holiday season itself can indicate burnout. Leaders should schedule some “fun time” for their team to just hang out, laugh and remember not to take everything so seriously.
7. “No that won’t work” is your favorite phrase:
   Burnout can stifle creativity. Leaders who can sense they are squashing all the good ideas and your team calls you the “fun police”, you may need to work on shifting your mindset to a positive one. One of the best ways to reprogram positive neural pathways in your brain is through gratitude. Write down 5 things you are grateful for every day for the next 7 days and watch what it does for your attitude and perspective.
8. Self-Medication Increases:
   Turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking or overeating, can be a sign of burnout. It is so hard when the neighbors bring over an entire plate of holiday cookies. Indulge and enjoy the season, but also listen to your inner voice. If you quiet your mind and tune inward, your intuition will tell you if you are partaking in something too much.
9. Saying Yes to Everything:
   Leaders who consistently overcommit and exceed their capacity risk burnout. Look at your professional and personal calendar and see what you can take off your schedule. Decline one commitment on each of your calendars right now. I mean it, do it right now! 
10. You want to Scream, LEAVE ME ALONE:
    If you find yourself withdrawing from social interactions, both at work and in personal life, it may be a sign of burnout. If you are closing your office door, or hiding from your children for a moment of peace, it is a clear sign you don’t have enough peace in your day. Schedule an important 30-minute meeting on your calendar every week for the next 4 weeks. Use that time to meditate, read, breathe, or just be alone (without your phone). Your future self will thank you. 

Leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for their teams, especially during the demanding holiday season. Recognizing and addressing signs of burnout is essential for maintaining personal well-being and leading with love. Take the time to recognize your burnout indicators this holiday season and take action where you can. Remember, you need to set a positive example for your teams. They will pay more attention to what you do than what you say, so be a good example this holiday season.

Love and Light my friends,
Kara

#LeadershipDevelopment #GrowthMindset #PersonalDevelopment #KarmicLeader #SelfLove #Balance #Alignment #Purpose #Stress #HolidayStress #Burnout