Managing End-of-Year Stress: Tips for Building Resilience and Supporting Others
- Maddie Barrett
- Nov 2
- 4 min read
As the final weeks of the year approach, many of us find ourselves juggling an overwhelming list of tasks, deadlines, and social commitments. The holiday season, while filled with festivity, often amplifies our stress levels, making it feel like we're racing against the clock. That pressure can come from work deadlines, planning family gatherings, or simply reflecting on the year that has passed.
This blog post will offer practical strategies for managing stress and building resilience during this hectic time, both for yourself and for those around you.
Understanding End-of-Year Stress
End-of-Year stress can arise from multiple sources. The holidays bring increased social engagements and financial obligations, all while your work deadlines seem to pile up in the lead-up to the close-down period. For some, this period may feel isolating or more challenging than usual due to disability, poor mental health, and financial strain. Recognising what you can control and what you cannot control is critical for stress-management. Plus, recognising temporary stressors allows you to understand and implement effective strategies to lessen their effects.
Prioritising Self-Care
Self-care is a key element in managing stress effectively. It involves taking time to engage in activities that boost your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Here are some specific self-care practices to consider:
Mindfulness and Meditation: Spending just 10 minutes each day on mindfulness exercises can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety. Apps like Headspace and Calm can guide you through short meditation sessions that ground you in the present moment.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise can lower anxiety levels, reduce stress, and allow you to take some time for yourself. Whether you prefer a brisk walk, yoga, or even a dance class, choose an activity you enjoy and aim to engage in it a few times a week.
Prioritise your needs: Self-care looks different for everyone, all that matters is doing something to bring down your stress levels. This could be a long bath, time with friends and family, or saying "no" to others in order to save time for yourself.
Setting Realistic Goals
As the year winds down, it’s easy to feel compelled to check everything off your to-do list. However, setting achievable goals can help ease some of that pressure. Consider these strategies:
Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: For example, if working on a year-end report feels daunting, divide it into sections, such as research, drafting, and editing. This approach makes the task more manageable and less overwhelming. Remember, it's also okay to ask for help if you need it!
Prioritise Responsibilities: Identify the top three tasks that must be completed by a certain date and focus on those first. It’s perfectly acceptable to postpone or delegate less critical tasks.
Learn to Say No: If your plate is too full, it is vital to recognise your limits. Decide what you do want to take part in, and decline additional invitations or projects that may add to your stress.
Building Resilience
Resilience is your ability to bounce back from life's challenges. By building your resilience, you can more effectively face year-end stress. Here are some strategies to enhance your adaptability:
Cultivate your Support Network: Surround yourself with friends and family who uplift you. Sharing your feelings with at least one trusted person can provide comfort and reduce overthinking.
Remember that family can be what you choose, especially if you’re disconnected from the family you grew up with – if you have friends, neighbours, or people in your community who you feel connected with, you might prioritise spending time with them over Christmas.
Practice Gratitude: Keeping a daily gratitude journal can significantly alter your mindset. Start each day by writing down three things you appreciate; research shows this practice can lead to greater overall happiness and satisfaction.
Embrace Flexibility: Life can be unpredictable. If plans change, take a moment to reset, and approach these challenges with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. This mindset creates less friction and allows you to find creative solutions.
Supporting Others (only if you can)
While you manage your own stress, you may also want to support the people around you. Here are two ways you can make a difference in someone else's life:
Check-In Regularly: Simple messages to friends, family, or colleagues can show you care. A short text or quick call can significantly brighten someone’s day. Plus, a call with a good friend may even help with your own stress
Manage Expectations: It can be easy to over-commit to events or plans, but pulling out last minute may increase guilt and stress for yourself, as well as feel disappointing for others. Avoid this by scheduling in events that you do have time for, keeping time for yourself, and by saying "no" when you need to.
Embracing the End-of-Year
The end of the year can be challenging, but with the right strategies, managing stress and building resilience is possible. By focusing on self-care, setting realistic goals, and supporting each other, we can approach this busy season with more ease. It’s crucial to take a moment for yourself and remember that your well-being matters.
If you are worried about how you'll manage this busy season, you can check out these resources for more information about managing stress and promoting resilience.
