'Non-negotiable breaks' secret to avoiding Christmas burnout says Cambs psychologist

The festive season often involves more social activities, shopping and travel, which can disrupt regular routines and lead to burnout. Having a jam-packed diary of work drinks, Christmas dos and dinner parties might seem like a fun idea, but could quickly lead to fatigue if you don’t take some time for yourself. But what is social burnout? And how can we prevent ourselves from becoming physically and mentally drained amongst all the festivities in the run up to Christmas?

“Signs of social burnout can include physical and mental fatigue, a sense of dread or reluctance towards upcoming events, irritability, difficulty focusing, and a desire to withdraw from social activities,” notes Christine Schneider, clinical psychologist and mental wellbeing coach at Cambridge Therapy Centre in Melton.

“Those experiencing social burnout may feel overwhelmed by even small interactions, the struggle to feel present, and may experience increased anxiety, especially when thinking about further social commitments.”

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“If possible, avoid scheduling multiple social events in a single day or weekend,” advises Dr Schneider, “Spread out engagements to give yourself time to decompress and process each experience, rather than rushing from one gathering to another.”

Block out some time in your calendar specifically for relaxation, whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a day to yourself.

“These breaks can help recharge your energy between social events and keep you from feeling overwhelmed,” explains Schneider. “Treat these as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.”