It's December! Feeling Overwhelmed? Keep it Simple

As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves running on empty. December often brings a whirlwind of deadlines, social obligations, and the pressure to wrap up the year on a high note. For some, it’s a time of celebration, but for others, it’s a season of exhaustion, stress, loneliness, and feeling stuck. If you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, it’s not too late to make changes to reenergise yourself.

Signs You May Need a Reset

Feeling constantly fatigued, no matter how much rest you get, can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. It’s often accompanied by a lack of motivation, leaving you feeling irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed. Tasks that once felt manageable become a struggle to focus on or complete, and this can create a sense of detachment from others and your daily life. Adding to this, you might feel stuck in a cycle of frustration, thinking, "I promised myself this year would be different—how did I end up back here again?" This combination of exhaustion, self-doubt, and overwhelm can feel like an uphill battle, making it difficult to find a way forward.

Simple Ways to Reset

Simplicity is the key to staying grounded. By focusing on what truly matters, setting boundaries, and letting go of perfection, you can create space for what brings you joy and peace. Whether it’s prioritising meaningful connections, simplifying your to-do list, or carving out time for self-care, small, intentional actions can make a big difference. Here are some practical tips to help you keep things simple this December and embrace the season with ease and balance.

• Prioritise What Truly Matters

  Take a moment to reflect on what’s most important to you this month. Is it spending quality time with loved ones? Taking care of your mental health? Completing a few key work projects? Focus on your priorities and let go of anything that doesn’t align with them.

• Schedule Time for Yourself

  Block out time in your calendar for self-care, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. Use this time to do something that recharges you, whatever works for you!

• Set Boundaries

  It’s okay to say “no.” Whether it’s declining an invitation or scaling back on gift-giving, setting boundaries can help you protect your time and energy. Your loved ones will reap the benefits!

• Simplify Your To-Do List

  Break your tasks into smaller, manageable steps and focus on one thing at a time. Ask yourself, “Does this really need to be done now?” If not, let it wait.

• Delegate and Ask for Help

  Whether it’s asking family members to pitch in or outsourcing tasks like cleaning or cooking, delegating can lighten your load.

• Embrace Imperfection

  Let go of the need for everything to be perfect. Whether it’s a slightly messy home or a store-bought dessert, remind yourself that the memories you create are far more important than the details. Relax, people will love you for it!

What If You Feel Stuck?

Feeling stuck often stems from deeper emotional patterns. You might find yourself saying “yes” to requests when really you want to say no. People pleasing and perfectionism are patterns of behaviour that make it difficult to prioritise self-care. If this sounds familiar you may want to reach out for support. By exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a safe, supportive environment, you can begin to understand why you feel stuck—and, more importantly, how to move forward. Therapy can support you to:

• Understand Your Triggers

  Therapy can help you identify the situations, relationships, or beliefs that contribute to your stress and burnout. By understanding these triggers, you can begin to set boundaries and make choices that align with your values.

• Shift from External Validation to Self-Worth

  If you’ve been seeking validation from others, therapy can help you reconnect with your own sense of self-worth. You’ll learn to recognise your strengths, celebrate your achievements, and prioritise your needs without relying on external approval.

• Build a Foundation of Self-Care

  Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days—it’s about creating habits that support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Therapy can help you develop a personalised self-care plan, from setting realistic goals to practicing mindfulness and self-compassion.

• Create a Path Forward

  When you feel stuck, it can be hard to see a way out. Therapy provides a roadmap for change, helping you set achievable goals and take small, meaningful steps in moving forward.

This month take time to slow down, breathe, and focus on what really matters to you. Let go of the pressure to do it all and instead, keep things simple. Set boundaries and make space for what brings you joy. Remember, it’s okay to pause, reset, and move into the new year feeling grounded and at peace. So, take a breath, pause, and keep it simple.

Corrie xo

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