Lifestyle
Signs you have holiday burnout
After spending several years completing his residency, Dr Shawn Jones realised he was suffering from burnout.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2018/11/Stress11-Custom.jpg)
Here are his top tips for recognising holiday burnout.
- There is a feeling of being drained, overwhelmed and exhausted by familial obligations. You are just as tired in the morning as you were when you went to bed. You feel as though you canāt take on one more dinner invite, holiday project, or take on any requests.
- You have a distant or cold outlook towards activities. You can feel distant or cold towards your family and friends. You may feel it is safer to be indifferent while at a holiday party and develop an extreme cynicism.
- You feel ineffective while at parties or with family and friends. You have somehow lost confidence at parties or events. You feel inadequate. It has become difficult to think positively about the holidays. You do not feel a sense of personal accomplishment in your work.
- You experience an erosion of emotions. There may be a tendency to blame others for problems or difficulties and react to situations and individuals with anger or even rage.
- You engage in unusual or high risk behaviour. These behaviours may result in disciplining before a professional board or organisation. Some of these behaviours may include DUIs, an arrest, or an inability to work with others. Illicit drug use, alcoholism, an extramarital affair, a suicide attempt or an episode of depression or anxiety can be a sign of burnout.
Offsetting burnout can be simpler than imagined: take some time off. Itās important to take some time for yourself if you feel burned out. Cancel certain events and donāt take a vacation during peak season hours.