As we gear up for the Christmas break, our lives can become pretty hectic. Take me, for example, working in the gym industry, December and January are our busiest times. And, if you’re a little bit like me, burnout can become a common thing to battle around this time.

Whether you enjoy Christmas time or not, most of us see the “limbo week” between Christmas and New Year’s as a perfect time to rest and recover. A lot of us are anticipating that week, yearning for it come sooner. So, in the meantime, we’re stressed at work, trying to get everything done before the festivities truly start.

I’m only six weeks into my new job, and I’ve joined at the craziest time of the year. Burnout has brushed over me recently, but I’m fighting it off, finding ways to relax after a long day of work to ensure I don’t reach total burnout. It’s hard, because if have any signs of perfectionism and people pleasing in your personality, slowing down is that last thing you want to do. However, it is crucial if you want to continue to show your bosses (and yourself) what you’re made of.

How do I do this? Well, since the new job began, I’ve ensured that when I close my laptop down, I’m away from work completely. I head to the gym or have a long shower, put on my pyjamas, eat a good meal, and relax. This is the reason why I’ve slowed down on the blog and podcast posts – but it’ll be back up and running very soon! Having this work-life balance is what has been propelling me forward.

Sure, during this time, you’ll feel the need to work later, do more, and get it all done before the rush of the holidays. This can be a good thing, as it shows determination and motivation, but if it’s more deep-rooted – as in burnout or pushing yourself too far – it can quickly slide into that rabbit hole we know all too well.

Implement boundaries into your work life. For you, not for your boss or team. Promise yourself that you’ll stop after 5pm or when you get the last thing done. Make a priority list of only three things per day – the rest can wait until tomorrow. If you’re still struggling, reach out to your colleagues and ask for help; the majority of workplaces will hear you and give you this support.

Boundaries also include your personal life. It can be a time for endless Christmas parties and gatherings with old friends and extended family. Decide which occasions are going to be good for you (and you’ll actually have fun), and which are going to cause anxiety and stress. Socialising can be tough, especially in this period, so allow yourself “time-off” and create that time for yourself too.

By all means, ready yourself for a good break over the Christmas time, but make sure you’re resting now. Going full pelt can be a great thing, don’t get me wrong. As we head towards the end of the year, though, ensure your priorities are set straight and that you don’t neglect me-time and self-care – these are what will carry you forward in the harder times.