As the end of the year approaches, you might be reaching the finish line tired and ready for a much-needed break. But logging off from work isn’t always the same as resting — so how can we use the holiday break to truly recover?
Burnout is a feeling of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion brought on by prolonged stress or excessive demands at work or in your personal life.
Research suggests burnout is a worsening issue in Australia. For many, the end of the year can feel particularly exhausting, after months of pushing through stress.
“There’s this cumulative effect over the year,” Rachel Hannam, clinical director of North Brisbane Psychologists in Queensland, told SBS News.
“We see it in our practice. We get busier from about August through to December, and we think that’s because people are getting to the second half of the year and saying, ‘I’ve really got to go and get a little bit of help.’”
For many Australians, the summer holiday season brings its own set of challenges, from the financial pressures of purchasing gifts and hosting events to managing potential conflicts at family gatherings. The logistics of childcare and the high expectations surrounding Christmas celebrations can also contribute to stress levels during this period.
