By Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri

Seun had the perfect Detty December planned. The concert tickets had been bought and all the plans to ‘oblee’ enjoy the holidays were all secured.

He constantly reassured himself, “I worked so hard this year. I deserve nothing short of all the fun”. Everything appeared to be going on well until the 3rd week.

The bills began to pile up: fuel prices, cost of food, gifts, outings and the tips for the security men who cheered him on. He started to feel irritable, restless and exhausted. Unable to eat as usual, he started to drink more alcohol while sleep also became difficult to initiate and maintain.

The perfect holiday that Seun had planned had become the exact source of his stress. “January was going to be a long month”, Seun thought, “not just financially, but mentally and emotionally as well”

The holidays, especially the Christmas holidays, are often perceived as a time of rest. Workers take leave, schools shut
down, some businesses close down for the period, while some individuals and families take a vacation to enjoy the season. Unfortunately however, many people arrive at the holidays exhausted.

Holiday burnout often occurs when a season that is meant for rest, refreshment and connection begins to feel overwhelming. During the holidays, the sources of stress include: social expectations, the ‘Detty December’ and financial pressures, buying gifts, travel plans and various family dynamics.
Common signs of individuals who struggle with holiday burnout include: irritability, emotional numbness, a sense of pressure to keep up with activities and celebrations as well as loss of joy in activities previously enjoyed.

Factors such as inability to wind down due to work demands, overcommitment, an increased need for perfection, grief, loneliness and unresolved family conflict may increase the chances of holiday burnout.

Beyond physical tiredness, holiday burnout also comes with mental overload, emotional depletion and a feeling of emptiness which shows up as having nothing left to give.
To prevent holiday burnout, try the following:

• Manage your expectations as you come to terms with the fact that you may not attend every event, gift everyone or have a perfect holiday.
• Set healthy, but firm boundaries by saying no to unplanned offers
• Prioritise rest by creating time for it
• Limit social media consumption especially if it increases pressure for you.
• Ensure self-care activities such as eating healthy, sleeping well and cutting down consumption of alcohol and cigarettes.
• Ask for help early as this is a sign of strength
• Redefine what a good holiday means to you as it doesn’t need to be perfect to be enjoyable.
  Most importantly, remember, there is no health without mental health.
  Enjoy the holiday season.