We can all collectively agree that it’s been a rough year. Right now you might experience exhaustion like never before. Here’s how to cope with year end fatigue.
What is Year End Fatigue?
Towards the end of the year, you will notice that it is more difficult to get out of bed every morning. You will lose motivation to complete your tasks and your daily routine will seem overbearing. What you are experiencing is year end fatigue.
How do I Know if I’m Experiencing Year End Fatigue?
There are a few changes in your behaviour you can pick up on to indicate whether you are experiencing year end fatigue or not.
How do I Know if I’m Experiencing Year End Fatigue?
There are a few changes in your behaviour you can pick up on to indicate whether you are experiencing year end fatigue or not.
What It’s Not
First you need to rule out a few things. There are other factors that could drain your energy. If you have medical conditions that require you to take medication that makes you feel tired, this won’t apply to you. Or if you are pulling all nighters to study, then this isn’t a result of year end fatigue.
What It Is
Usually around the end of the year, there is a rush to get things done at work. There are also family commitments that you need to attend to. A good indicator would be if you are struggling physically and mentally to complete these tasks. Especially if it’s tasks you can finish in your sleep.
Symptoms of Year End Fatigue:
- Lack of concentration
- Forgetfulness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Boredom
- Insomnia
- Tiredness
Digging Deep – The Types of Fatigue
There are two types of fatigue that you can be experiencing during this time of the year. You can experience mental or physical fatigue.
Mental Fatigue
If you are creative or need your brain to perform tasks, you will experience mental fatigue. You will notice that you can no longer come up with cool new ideas for work.
But mental fatigue can also be experienced by people in other career paths. Things such as unhappiness, tiredness and lack of motivation are all classified as mental fatigue.
Physical Fatigue
If your work consists of performing physical labour, experiencing this type of fatigue is common. Signs of physical fatigue include muscle and joint pain.
But it’s not just workers who perform heavy lifting that experience this type of fatigue. People who have to take public transport to work, stand on the bus or train to and from work, or sit in front of a computer can also experience physical fatigue.
How to Deal With Year End Fatigue
Simply ignoring fatigue won’t make it go away. You need to face it in order to feel better. Here are a few tips on how to deal with year end fatigue.
Speak to Your Manager
If you have an understanding manager, let them know what you are currently experiencing. Hopefully your manager is caring, and will try to minimise your workload or give you some time off.
Get Some Vitamin D
Fatigue and tiredness can be an effect of Vitamin D deficiency. Boost your energy by getting a dose of Vitamin D. It is important to note that you could have stayed indoors a lot this year due to COVID restrictions. So take Vitamin D tablets or get some sun.
Great sources of Vitamin D include:
- Red meat
- Liver
- Egg yolk
- Fat spreads
- Breakfast cereals
Avoid Skipping Breaks
Now more than ever, you should take your lunch and tea breaks. Those few minutes could make a difference and might just be what you need to gather your thoughts. Instead of skipping them to catch up on work, take the break to regain your energy.
Time to Power Up
Exercise might be the last thing that comes to mind when you think about curing your fatigue. The thing is, exercise is a good way to relieve stress and let go of those draining energies. And the aches and muscle pains from exercising are surprisingly pleasant.
Catch Some Sleep
Even though it might feel like you need at least 20 years of sleep, a good 8 hours of sleep should be enough. Make time in your schedule to sleep. It is okay to have a lazy day, where you do absolutely nothing. You deserve some rest.
Find Comfort in Food
Find pleasures in the simple things and make sure your body is nourished. Don’t skip meals, and eat healthy or balanced meals. Every now and then you could indulge in your favourite comfort foods. Just try to avoid food that makes you bloated.
Get a Massage
Treat your sore limbs or muscles and relax with a massage. A massage could just be what you need to relieve the stress and treat the aching parts of your body. Not only do massages make you feel relaxed, but they are good at increasing your energy levels.
Seek Treatment
There comes a time when you need to decide whether or not you need to seek professional help. You could visit the doctor for physical illness or body aches. If you are overwhelmed and feel stressed, you could seek help from a psychologist.
Need a Break?
With us, you can take a break from your studies to focus on yourself. The best part of it all? You don’t have to pay when you don’t study. Choose the college that cares.
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