5 ways to avoid burnout in the lead up to Christmas

November and December can be stressful; there’s the end-of-year processes, people out sick with cold and flu, and less reliable colleagues feel it’s the right time to unwind before Christmas. It’s easy to become overwhelmed as a busy PA trying to keep things running smoothly. Here are a few top tips to help you avoid burnout.

1 Switch off at home
Checking emails on your phone when you leave the office only extends your stress into your personal life. While it’s sometimes necessary to stay in touch, you should always plan a set time when the phone goes away and you devote your efforts to unwinding.

2 Get out during the day
Most people travel to work and back home in the dark thanks to the shorter days of the winter months. Seasonal affective disorder can make you feel sluggish, disengaged and depressed. Combat these symptoms by getting out for a bit of natural sunlight during your lunch break, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Top up your vitamin D levels with supplements for an extra boost – this helps you feel energised and keeps your immune system in better shape.

3 Plan ahead
Perhaps because of the lack of bank holidays between August and Christmas, time seems to pass at a snail’s pace, allowing burnout to creep in unnoticed. Now is the time to start planning your holiday for next year so you have something to look forward to when the winter is over.

4 Take time to learn
It might seem counterintuitive to add to your list of tasks, but developing your skills goes a long way toward making you feel good about the work you do. You don’t necessarily need to attend training courses; reading books and articles in your spare time is enough to keep you motivated.

5 Know your limits
Nobody knows your body better than you, so listen to it if it’s telling you to take a break. Letting yourself get to the point of burnout won’t help anything or anyone around you, both at work and at home.