Effective Strategies to Manage Your Energy and Prevent Year-End Burnout

I used to think my end of year burnout was because I had so much to do. How could I find the time to do it all?

And I have to do it all! (so says my ego)

I used to get so drained trying to manage all the different priorities…

⚠️ Trying to meet year-end deadlines and goals at work.

⚠️ Planning out the following year.

⚠️ Seeing friends and family.

⚠️ Going to all the holiday parties.

⚠️ Hosting people.

All while overindulging in all the food and drink. Oh, and everyone around you is sick and seems to be playing a tag game with it.

Yeah, it is a lot. And you got to do it all, right?

Then, when you do get a chance to relax, all you want to do is crash and sleep for a couple of days because you feel so drained. Your battery is desperate to be recharged.

I get it.

Even though it can feel extra heavy now, it happens year-round, not just at the end of the year.

And people are feeling more burnt out and drained than ever. In fact, 89% of Americans have suffered from burnout within the past year.

If you are feeling like you want to keep your battery charged this year-end and beyond, here is some sage wisdom I gained…

No matter the situation or time of year, I wasn’t drained because I was doing too much. I was drained because I was doing too little of what aligned with my values. 

The things that make you feel alive. Your intrinsic motivators. Your compass and guide for life.

Yet, when life happens and it seems like there is so much to do. It is easy to forget your values. You may even find yourself doing things that don’t align with your values or even violate your values because you think you have to.

And the thing is…

You might not even be aware of it because you are just going, going and going.

So, here is a simple exercise you can do to manage your energy, not your time, this holiday season and beyond.

1. Create a Drain/Fill List. ?

   Pull out a piece of paper and make 2 lists. On one side, write “Drain.” On the other side, write “Fill”. (You can also download a fillable version here.) Write down everything that comes to mind that drains you energetically. Then, do the same for what fills you energetically. For example, I get filled with energy when I invest time with clients who are open and willing to do inner work. And I get drained of energy when I work with clients who aren’t willing to take responsibility for their lifestyle. Write as much down as you can think of.

2. Connect Your Values to These Experiences. ?

   Once complete, go back and connect your value(s) to these experiences. Remember: Fills are typically a reflection of values being activated, and Drains are where values are missing or being violated. For example, when I get filled with energy by investing time with soulmate clients, that activates my value of connection and purpose. When I get drained of energy from clients who aren’t willing to do the work, that violates those very same values, if you need a refresher on your values, take our free core values quiz here.

3. Make A Game Plan. ?
   

   Now that you know what drains and fills you energetically, reflect on how you can increase your fills and decrease your drains. Then, take action to make it so. For example, I plan to craft an ideal values profile for coaching clients that will fill my energy so I can attract more of them. And I plan on setting better boundaries around screening for fit before we start working together. Remember to meet yourself where you are right now. What easy fills can you increase without adding too much to your plate? And what are some low-hanging drains that you can release immediately or set boundaries around?

Year-end is a great time for you to pause and reflect on what truly matters to you. To clarify your intentions on how you want to invest your energy to end each day feeling filled instead of drained.

Enjoy the journey, my friend.

When you are ready, here are three ways we can help you with end of year burnout.

Alignment Coaching: Want to make this the most joyful, stress-free holiday season to date? Excited but scared to set healthy boundaries to protect your energy? Work with MaryBeth 1×1 to align with your core values and ignite more well-being without compromising your impact. Fill out this inquiry form to see if we’re a good fit for one another.

Knowing and Living Your Values: During MaryBeth’s 10-day course, you’ll identify your unique values, see where you’re currently activating them, and make small tweaks where you’re not so that every day is filled with purpose. Join 7,000+ Students Here.

Hire MaryBeth as a Speaker: Have an all-staff event, annual meeting or conference coming up? MaryBeth will inspire your audience to give themselves and others, permission to be human, unleashing higher productivity, profit and purpose through shared values. Learn more here.