As the end of the year approaches, many of us feel like we’re crawling to the finish line, tired from the challenges we’ve faced, both personally and professionally. It’s natural to feel worn out by this time of year, and that familiar end-of-year fatigue can settle in sooner than expected. But it doesn’t have to be a slog through the last months. With a few intentional actions, you can finish the year feeling more refreshed and ready to recharge for the break ahead.
At Corporate Edge, we’re all about supporting leaders and their teams in not just getting through the year but thriving in the process. Here are a few strategies to help combat that end-of-year fatigue, so you can finish strong and set yourself up for a restful holiday period.
1. Daily Check-ins
One of the simplest yet most effective habits you can implement is a daily check-in with yourself or your team. Take a moment at the start of each day to reflect on how you’re feeling and where your energy levels are. Whether it’s a 1-10 scale or a quick mental note, this awareness allows you to make adjustments throughout the day to support your mental and emotional wellbeing. As a leader, encourage your team to do the same – it’s a great way to stay connected to how people are feeling and provide support when needed.
2. Practice Gratitude
End-of-year fatigue often drags us down into a loop of focusing on what’s hard or not going right. A simple gratitude practice can be a powerful tool to lift your spirits and those around you. Share something you’re grateful for daily – it could be as simple as a good cup of coffee or a kind word from a colleague. As a team, this can foster positivity and strengthen connections, making the end of the year feel a little lighter.
3. Schedule Time Off (Before the Break)
While the holiday season is usually a time to recharge, many people find they’re too worn out to fully enjoy it. Taking a short break a month or so before the end of the year can make a world of difference. It doesn’t have to be a long vacation – even a few days off can help reset your energy levels and allow you to finish the year with more focus and resilience. Encourage your team to do the same. It’s a great way to ensure everyone is in good shape heading into the final weeks of the year.
4. Lunchtime Breaks and Connection
At Corporate Edge, we believe in the power of shared, non-work-related moments to refresh the mind and body. Instead of working through lunch, take time to eat with your colleagues, whether it’s outdoors in the fresh air or around a shared table. Ban work talk and focus on catching up with each other on a personal level. It’s a simple yet effective way to break up the day and give your mind a rest, while strengthening team bonds.
5. Embrace a Healthy Rhythm
Healthy habits, like regular exercise and nutritious meals, go a long way in combating fatigue. But it’s not just about doing these things on your own – get your team involved. Organise walking meetings or lunchtime exercise sessions. Small actions like this help keep energy levels up and reduce stress, setting you up for a smoother end to the year.
6. Set Boundaries and Stop Working!
A crucial step in fighting fatigue is knowing when to stop. Encourage yourself and your team to switch off from work at the end of the day. With so much happening, it can be tempting to power through, but this leads to burnout. Set clear boundaries around work hours and help others do the same. When you’re fully off, you’re better able to recharge and come back more productive the next day. With new legislation about the Right to Disconnect, embrace the longer days and clock off when you’re meant to.
Finishing Strong
End-of-year fatigue is real, but with a few intentional actions, you can combat it effectively. Whether through personal habits or team-wide initiatives, making small changes can have a big impact on how you feel as the year comes to a close. Focus on self-care, gratitude, and connection, and you’ll not only finish the year stronger but start the next one on a better note.
As leaders, it’s essential to model these behaviours and encourage your teams to do the same. The more intentional you are about taking care of yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to support those around you. Let’s finish the year together – energised, connected, and ready for a well-deserved break.
