How to overcome end-of-year fatigue

THERE is less than a month to go before the end of the year, and experts agree it’s not unusual to struggle physically and mentally during this time. The rush to wrap up work, family and other life commitments before an end-of-year break can be exhausting and bad for your health. Megan Hosking, a psychiatric intake clinician at Akeso Clinics, says: “End-of-the-year fatigue is experienced by some as the end of the year draws nearer, whe they start to feel more tired, irritable and overwhelmed. “It may feel as though every day is just a case of going through the motions, with little to no joy or satisfaction.” It’s important to distinguish between this, which occurs specifically at this time of year, and something like a mood or anxiety disorder or burnout, which is not time-bound. Natalie Rabson, a wellness counsellor at Boston City Campus and Business College, says: “Burnout results in physical, emotional and psychological exhaustion, often accompanied by feelings of helplessness, self-doubt, being unmotivated, defeated and fatigued in every area of life.” Lyndy van den Barselaar, the managing director at ManpowerGroup SA, says managers need to recognise the warning signs and take steps to facilitate resiliency.

“Burnout will… also cause ineffectiveness in the workplace. Therefore, it is in employers’ best interest to ensure they take the correct steps to mitigate this.”

Better Health’s suggestions to b Drink plenty of water:

Sometimes you feel tired simply because you’re mildly dehydrated.

Go easy on the caffeine: The best way to do this is to lessen your intake to zero over three weeks.

Eat breakfast: The brain relies on glucose for fuel, so choose carbohydrate-rich breakfast foods suc

Eat iron rich foods: Irondeficiency (anaemia) can lead to feeling fatigued. Include iron-rich foods such as lean red meat.

If you’re suffering constant fatigue, speak to your doctor.