Emotion #4: Fatigue vs. Rest | Three Steps to Overcoming Holiday Fatigue
Emotion #4: Fatigue vs. Rest | Three Steps to Overcoming Holiday Fatigue
We’ve been counting down to Christmas by dealing with the 12 different emotions the holiday season can bring … and the fourth one shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. It’s EXHAUSTION!
The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be one of the most busy. With family get-togethers, work parties, Christmas shopping, and gift wrapping to do—there’s only so much of you to go around.
So here are three steps to avoid holiday fatigue and refind your energy this Christmas season!
- Say yes to the right things.
It’s a fact: If you don’t prioritize your time, you’ll lose it.
In order to say yes to more of the things you love, you have to say no to some of the things you don’t. Don’t worry, that’s good news! When you make time for more of the things you enjoy, you will find yourself happier and more energized to tackle the things you don’t.
“In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less.”
—Charles Spurgeon
It’s healthy to say no to certain events in order to draw boundaries around our lives.
If there’s something you love to do during the holidays, give yourself permission to say yes to more of it! Whether that’s watching Hallmark Christmas movies next to a warm fire, snuggling up on the couch and reading a book, or enjoying the thrill of hunting down a good bargain, make the things you enjoy a priority.
Give yourself permission to protect you and your family from holiday burnout.
- Schedule time to REST in God’s presence.
Jesus gave us the best advice for refinding our energy. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV). When we need to be refreshed, nothing is as effective as spending time in God’s presence!
Making more time for God in our lives requires us to be intentional. We may have to wake up earlier to read our Bibles, put worship music or teachings on in our car, or designate a specific time every day to get alone with God and allow Him to refresh us with His Spirit. Do whatever it takes, because I promise, this is single-handedly the greatest habit you can cultivate in your life!
- Work smarter, not longer.
Holiday to-do lists can be daunting, but did you know there are ways you can accomplish the same tasks quicker while also making them more enjoyable?
Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
By giving structure and organization to our holiday schedules, we can free up more time for the fun activities we enjoy. We can also find ways to make big tasks easier to accomplish!
For example, if holiday gift wrapping is overwhelming for you, don’t wait until the last minute. Start early and wrap while you watch Christmas movies. You could even set a goal to wrap three presents every night before you go to bed. You can also save time by using gift bags and boxes instead of hand wrapping every gift!
If your desire is for a peaceful, relaxed holiday season, you need to create a plan to obtain it.
Ask yourself: “What areas are draining all of my time and energy? Is there a smarter way I can do it this year?”
God doesn’t want you to be exhausted this holiday season; He wants to infuse you with His energy and grace. Take a look at Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV):
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
You can cast your cares on the Lord because He cares for you!