How to Naturally Reduce Burnout and Stress Over the Holidays: A Therapeutic Approach for Handling Work Fatigue - Blog 2

The impact of burnout and stress in the workplace has a seismic impact on body, mind, emotions and soul. This blog continues the theme of "how to reduce" symptoms of stress and burnout, as we wind down for the Christmas holidays.

As the holidays draw near, burnout symptoms become stronger, as we begin to relax and unwind. Ultimately, it might feel heavier than lighter and you begin to feel the impact of the burnout.

A recent study shows that a staggering 61% of workers reported feeling burnt out in the last three months. This statistic highlights a widespread issue compounded by rising living costs and daily pressures in New Zealand.

The majority of Kiwis (32%) indicated that financial stress and the cost of living was by far the main source of stress in the last 3 months. This comes as no surprise as we battle stubbornly high interest rates, a cost of living crisis and the full force of inflation. This is putting households under immense pressure, and it’s not only seeping into our financial health, but also our mental health. After being stressed about finances, the second highest stressor was an overwhelming professional workload and working out of hours (14%), followed by professional burnout (11%).

But there is a silver lining! The holiday season can be an excellent opportunity to enhance your wellbeing and explore natural remedies for stress and anxiety.

Understanding Burnout: The Hidden Struggles

Before we dive into remedies, it’s important to grasp what burnout really is. Burnout is not just ordinary tiredness; it comes with symptoms like emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and feelings of isolation. Many modern-day workers face these challenges due to not only excessive workloads but also stressors in today’s world, such as economic instability and shifting job demands.

Let's explore natural remedies that can uplift your spirits during the holiday's.

Embrace Natural Solutions

Natural healing encompasses a vast array of remedies and techniques that can effectively help to reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety and burnout. Natural herb plants have been used for centuries for their beneficial properties and can provide you with needed relief.

1. Ashwagandha - My favourite go to Super Hero!

This powerful adaptogen regulates cortisol levels, tackling stress at its source. Studies suggest that ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels by up to 30% within a few weeks. By integrating ashwagandha into your daily routine, you might experience enhanced stamina and a notable decrease in anxiety, empowering you to take charge of your wellbeing.

2. Wellbeing Tea Blend

De-stress and uplift with this feel good tea. Sip away anxious thoughts, Particularly supportive for women going through the change of life. May help with balancing blood sugar, blood pressure, mood and hormones. Helpful as support for grieving process. Ingredients: - Tulsi, Thyme, Siberian Ginseng, Calendula.

Herbal Healing is introducing new tea blends to support wellbeing. Watch out for announcement of new blends coming soon.

Create a Mindful Morning Routine

Mornings set the tone for your day. Carving out time for yourself can create lasting calm. Consider adding mindfulness practices to your morning rituals.

1. Meditation

Allocating a mere 5-10 minutes for meditation can be transformative. Focus on your breathing, allow thoughts to drift, and ground yourself in the present. As you practice mindfulness regularly, you might notice greater peace and focus throughout your day.

2. Gentle Movement

Incorporate gentle movement such as yoga, stretching, or walking / exercise. Studies reveal that even short bursts of physical activity can elevate mood and improve mental clarity. Find a movement style that speaks to you and make it a daily ritual.

Prioritize Your Sleep

Don't underestimate the importance of restful sleep during the holiday rush. Quality sleep is vital for overall health and can diminish feelings of burnout.

1. Relaxing Evening Rituals

Develop calming routines to signal your body it’s time to wind down. Drink a beautiful blended herbal tea like Anxietea or Wellbeing tea to calm, listening to soft music, or immersing yourself in a good book before bed. Reducing screen time can also boost sleep quality.

Having your partner give you a foot or body massage, can have positive soothing and calming effects. Herbal Healing has a beautiful, Calm Massage Oil blend that does just that.

2. Therapeutic Deep Sleep Spray.

A natural, effective solution to promote deep, restorative sleep and help you wake up refreshed and revitalized. Formulated with organic essential oils, carefully chosen for their calming and sleep-enhancing properties. Magnesium, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Cedar wood. Lavender, is the key ingredient, known for its soothing aroma, scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Experience Joy

Finding joy during the holidays is essential in combating burnout. Participate in activities that ignite happiness and creativity. Family, friends, socialising, whilst feeling the sun and warmth of summer.

1. Creative Outlets - Journaling, painting, crafts, jigsaw puzzles

Engage in creative pursuits like painting, crafting, or journaling—anything that lets you express yourself freely. These activities serve as excellent stress relief and can redirect your focus away from worries.

2. Connect with Loved Ones over the holidays

Social interaction is critical for mental health. Schedule time with family and friends, whether in-person or virtually. Sharing feelings or simply enjoying each other's company can make a world of difference in your wellbeing.

Explore Relaxation Techniques and activities

Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, remember to carve out moments for relaxation. Adopting relaxation techniques can uplift your mood significantly.

1. Yoga

Yoga harmonizes body, mind, and spirit, enhancing flexibility, reducing stress, and fostering inner peace through mindful movement and breath control. Breathing during Yoga offers a soothing and calming affect on the nervous system.

2. Visualize Calmness

Imagine peaceful settings, like a serene beach or a lush pine forest, to cultivate feelings of tranquility. Close your eyes, ignite your imagination, and turn stress into serenity.

3. Walking in a forest, or swimming in the sea.

Take time to reconnect to mother earth, by walking through nature. Take deep breathes and enjoy the silence and tranquility of nature. Or enjoy the sea, that soothes and replenishes the body and soul. Float in the calm of the sea and wash away those stresses.

Embracing Growth Through Wellbeing

As you navigate the holiday bustle, remember that wellbeing is an ongoing journey. While burnout may feel daunting, incorporating these natural remedies and strategies into your daily routine can reveal pathways to relief, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

Let this season be your reminder to prioritize mental health. Embrace natural and holistic approaches to enhance your wellbeing, and allow yourself the grace to unwind and focus on what truly matters.

With these insights, you have the tools to reclaim your joy and tackle burnout naturally this holiday season.

Wishing you a joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling holiday period!

Eloise Tzimas

Founder - Herbal Healing