Counting Down to the Holidays? Try These Tips to Stay Sane at Work

When December rolls in, something shifts. People feel tired, distracted, and ready to trade their workday for cozy blankets, warm drinks, and holiday time with the people they love. It is completely normal if your motivation drops, your patience feels thin, or you catch yourself counting down the days until you can finally take a breath. This time of year creates a unique kind of pressure where responsibilities at work collide with emotional, social, and family demands. If you are feeling it, you are not alone.

Below are a few grounding strategies to help you get through the last stretch of the year without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.

Give Yourself Permission to Take It Slower

You do not have to function at full speed in December. Energy naturally shifts this time of year. Try breaking tasks into smaller steps and focus on the next manageable thing instead of the whole list. Even a small win can help you feel more in control and less overloaded.

Build Mini Breaks Into Your Day

Short, intentional pauses can make the longest days feel more doable. Step outside for a breath of fresh air, stretch for 60 seconds, or grab a quiet moment away from your screen. You do not need a full lunch break to feel reset. Sometimes a tiny pause is enough to bring you back into your body and out of holiday stress mode.

Set Clear Boundaries Around Work Time and Home Time

One of the hardest things about the holidays is feeling like you have to be everywhere at once. Setting boundaries protects your energy. Try choosing a reasonable cutoff time each day and stick to it. When work hours are over, allow yourself to shift your focus toward rest and connection. If you need support with boundaries or burnout, JPB Counseling offers guidance on these skills at jpbcounseling.com.

Create Something to Look Forward To Every Day

Your brain stays more motivated when it has a reward built in. It does not need to be anything big. A holiday treat, a favorite show, a call with a friend, or time spent under your softest blanket can help carry you through the workday. A small ritual can make a big emotional difference.

Stay Connected With Coworkers Who Understand the Holiday Slowdown

Many people at your job are feeling the same thing. Talking with coworkers about shared stress can normalize the experience and even make the workday lighter. A quick check-in, a shared joke, or a conversation about holiday plans can help you feel less alone.

Check In With Your Mental Health

If this season leaves you feeling drained, anxious, or emotionally stretched, it may be a sign that you could benefit from additional support. A therapist can help you manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and stay grounded when life becomes too busy to handle alone. You can learn more or schedule a session at JPB Counseling.

Remember: You Are Allowed to Slow Down

It is okay if this month feels heavier than others. You are a human being trying to keep up with responsibilities during one of the busiest and most emotional times of the year. Give yourself grace. Small adjustments can help you make it through these final workdays so you can fully enjoy the break you have been waiting for.

If you need extra support this season, JPB Counseling is here to help you move through the stress with more confidence and less overwhelm.

Schedule Today!