As the year draws to a close, it can be easy to get caught up in what many refer to as the "end-of-year scaries." The holidays, looming deadlines, and pressure to wrap things up often bring a mix of anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. Personally, I am very susceptible to this feeling and never know how quite to manage the end of the year. However, this year, instead of letting these feelings take over, let's find ways to approach this time of year with intention and ease. Here’s how I plan to navigate the end-of-year scaries and step into the new year feeling refreshed and focused - I hope it helps you too!
1. Reflect, Don’t Dwell
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking about everything you didn’t achieve throughout the year. Rather than dwelling on what could have been, take time to reflect on what you did accomplish. Create a list of the wins—big or small—over the past year, and celebrate your progress. This will help shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.
2. Set Realistic Expectations
The end of the year often comes with the temptation to hustle harder to "make up" for time lost or goals not met. Instead of trying to squeeze in everything, prioritise the tasks and goals that are most important to you. Ask yourself: What do I truly need to finish? What can wait? Setting realistic expectations can ease the pressure and help you stay focused.
3. Plan Ahead for the New Year
Start thinking about the upcoming year now, but with a sense of optimism rather than dread. Outline some goals or intentions for the next year that excite you, and create a loose action plan. This can help you shift focus from anxiety about the current year’s end to excitement for what’s to come. I love to have a think about all of the wonderful things that are going to happen in the new year and the opportunities that will arise. If you can't think of anything, try to plan something. It could be a fun new ritual with friends like seeing a movie the first Wednesday of every month or trying a new coffee place each quarter, seeing a concert in the middle of the year. Anything that you find exciting that you will want to look forward to.
4. Set Boundaries Around Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be overwhelming with family events, social obligations, and even work functions. Be mindful of your energy and capacity. It's okay to say no to events or activities that don’t serve you or to set boundaries with loved ones if you need time to recharge. Protecting your energy during this busy time is essential for managing stress and heading into the new year with a positive mindset.
5. Take Time for Self-Care
When life gets busy, self-care is often the first thing to be sacrificed. Prioritise time for yourself, whether it’s through physical exercise, mindfulness practices, or indulging in personal care routines. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally will not only reduce stress but will also help you feel more grounded and centred.
During the holiday period I like to make it a goal that I will take great care of my skin to manage any holiday stress break outs. To achieve this, I go in with the Essential Six to keep it nice and easy - my whole routine only takes about five minutes but leaves my skin nourished and glowing. Additionally, I try to book in at least three workout classes a week with one or more being a yoga class to help me to get into a mindset of reflection and gratitude whilst still stretching out my body.
6. Break Big Tasks into Manageable Pieces
If you have a lot on your plate at the end of the year, don’t try to tackle everything at once. Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. By focusing on one step at a time, you can reduce overwhelm and actually make progress without feeling paralysed by the workload. I like to keep a comprehensive to-do list where I break down each task so that I can feel accomplished each time something small can be ticked off the list!
7. Lean on Your Support System
You don’t have to navigate the end-of-year scaries alone. Reach out to friends, family, or coworkers for support if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Talking through your worries or simply spending time with people who lift you up can help reduce stress and remind you that you’re not alone in feeling this way.
8. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool to help shift your mindset and reduce anxiety. As the year ends, take time to reflect on the things you're grateful for. It could be relationships, experiences, or personal growth that has happened over the year. Practicing gratitude can help you feel more grounded and at peace during this transition period.
9. Stay Present
It’s tempting to focus on the future or get lost in the whirlwind of end-of-year deadlines. However, staying present is key to managing stress. Take moments throughout your day to pause, breathe, and centre yourself. Grounding techniques such as meditation, breathwork, or simply taking a walk in nature can help you stay in the moment and reduce anxiety about the future.
10. Give Yourself Grace
Above all, be kind to yourself. The end of the year can bring up feelings of inadequacy or stress about unachieved goals, but it’s important to remember that you’ve done the best you can. Give yourself grace for any unmet expectations, and recognise that progress—no matter how small—is still progress.
You are exactly where you need to be.
If you want to read more - click here to read about how your cortisol levels can impact your skin and how to manage it!
