How To Cope With Year-End Fatigue

Suffering from fatigue come end of the year, whether it’s because of your studies or work? If so, then learn more on how to cope with year-end fatigue and get yourself rid of the tiredness bug once and for all.

 

Every year, as the year draws to a close, many people begin to wish it was over already. This is because a lot may have happened in a year, such as in your career, social life, family matters, and so on.

 

All of this can add up and become overwhelming. We then look forward to a vacation or simply a few days off to unwind from all the commotion.

 

We are here to assist you in adopting coping strategies for dealing with year-end fatigue.

What Are The Different Types Of Fatigue?

It is necessary to understand that there are two (2) types of fatigue. And when these two (2) types occur simultaneously, it can be quite draining.

 

Year-end fatigue can be caused by one or both of the following:

 

  • Physical Fatigue
  • Mental Fatigue

Type of fatigue

Description

Physical Fatigue

This is the point at which you begin to feel tired as a result of physical tasks. This is a common fatigue that can be caused by activities such as walking to work, lifting heavy objects, working in construction, and many more.

Mental Fatigue

Mental fatigue influences your cognitive functions. Feeling this way makes it difficult to generate fresh ideas, concentrate and focus on small things, or find the motivation to complete various tasks.

 

What Exactly Is Year End Fatigue?

Year end fatigue occurs when people start to show indications of exhaustion, being overwhelmed, and a lack of productivity near the end of the year. This might be due to the fact that the year has been too long and all they have gone through, as well as the events they have attended, catching up with them.

 

They are both mentally and physically exhausted, and the holidays appear to be out of reach. They will then continue about their day aimlessly, feeling no gratification in what they are doing. It is a difficult task to get out of bed in the morning to start their daily tasks.

 

What Are Some Symptoms Of Year-End Fatigue?

Here are some common symptoms of year end fatigue:

 

  • Poor Concentration
  • Insomnia
  • Body Aching
  • Feeling Irritated
  • Memory Problems
  • Feeling Bored
  • Depressed Mood
  • Anxiety

What Is Not An Indicator Of Year-End Fatigue? 

It is important to note that you may be experiencing these symptoms due to other conditions rather than year-end fatigue. Here are some of the conditions to keep an eye out for that may be causing your symptoms:

 

  • You were awake all night and are just sleep-deprived
  • You take medicine for certain health conditions, which has side effects
  • You have a mental illness that creates symptoms comparable to year end fatigue
  • You drank too much the night before and are now suffering from withdrawal symptoms
  • You do not exercise regularly and eat an unhealthy diet

 

What Can Help With Year-End Fatigue?

Here are some useful suggestions for dealing with the negative impacts of year-end fatigue on your everyday life:

 

  • Speak Up
  • Limit Social Media
  • Support System
  • Healthy Diet
  • Take Regular Breaks
  • Time Management
  • Exercise
  • Get Enough Sleep
  • Self-Care
  • Seek Professional Help

Speak Up

If you are not feeling up for a task or if you feel that your workload is too much, speak to your manager or the person in charge at work. They might be understanding and find ways to make work more enjoyable and less stressful for you. They would know that it has been a long year and well-deserved rest is on its way.

 

Limit Social Media

Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are just a few examples of social media sites. People are always looking for the latest news and trends, and attempting to keep up with all of these social media platforms can be difficult and exhausting. This can significantly contribute to year-end fatigue.

 

So, a smart approach would be to set out a time during the day to check your social media and then turn them off for the rest of the day.

 

Support System

Having family members or friends who care about you is one of the best strategies to stay motivated till the end of the year. Dinner with your family, a game night with friends, watching a film with your significant other, or even spending time with your pets have all been found to be relaxing.

 

Healthy Diet

Fast food, sweets, and sugary drinks are not considered the perfect diet. People who eat healthily tend to feel better about their bodies, and eating foods high in vitamins and minerals can improve their mood as well. Remember to eat nutritious and balanced meals to assist with fatigue.

 

Take Regular Breaks

It is essential to take breaks whenever possible. If it is lunch or tea time at work, do not work through it. Take your breaks and enjoy the time you have to yourself before returning to work. The same is true when you arrive home in the evenings. Take a moment to unwind before beginning your evening routine.

 

Time Management

If you have a really busy week ahead of you and have no clue how you will get everything done, it will put a big strain on your year-end fatigue. That is why keeping a daily planner is such a good idea. Divide your work into reasonable portions for each day, and make sure you complete that section of work for the day.

 

This will give you a sense of achievement and bring you one step closer to finishing your work.

 

Exercise

Studies have shown that exercise is a great stress reliever, but when we say exercise, we do not mean to exercise for hours on end every day. You can choose three (3) or four (4) days in a week when you hit the gym or do some home workouts. Remember, exercise can be fun, so hiking, or taking a walk with your dog also counts as exercise.

 

Get Enough Sleep

To function optimally the next day, the average adult needs sleep at least eight (8) hours per night. You will feel fatigued, sluggish, and irritable if you sleep less. The same is true for sleeping too much; for example, 11 hours of sleep is excessive and will result in even greater tiredness throughout the day.

 

Self-Care

Nothing beats year-end fatigue like some self-care. There are several things you can do to pamper yourself and relieve fatigue. Here are some suggestions for self-care:

 

  • Go for a massage
  • Read a book
  • Take your dog on a walk
  • Take a relaxing bubble bath
  • Pamper yourself by investing in a skincare routine

Seek Professional Help

If you have already tried all of your home remedies for year-end fatigue, it is important to know that there is no shame in seeking professional help.

 

If you feel like life is getting the best of you and everything is simply building up and intensifying your year-end fatigue, make an appointment with a counsellor or therapist to work through the stress.

 

If you are also having physical symptoms because of year-end fatigue that are not improving, it is recommended to contact a doctor to rule out any underlying physical illness.

 

If you are suffering from fatigue and need help, learn more from the following institutions about the symptoms and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome as well as workplace fatigue.

 

Author: Esmari Pool

Editor: Esmari Pool

Date Published: 9 November 2022

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *