If you feel like you’ve completely hit a wall this November, you’re probably dealing with a case of end-of-year school burnout.
It’s time to take a breath and relax, because it’s not just you. Exhaustion is a direct consequence of an entire year spent running at 110%.
Constant meetings, intense personal training schedules, extended working hours and the cumulative stress of digital overload mean our daily demands are relentless. This constant state of high stress, with insufficient rest and insufficient sleep, can often manifest as deep fatigue in the last months of the year.
But instead of repeating the cycle and pushing the fumes, it’s time to take a different approach. Now is the time to reset and recharge so you can end the year feeling energized and not exhausted.
Why do you feel tired?
Tiredness at the end of the year is more than just tiredness. It’s the build-up of stress, constant pressure, under-recovery and an unbalanced lifestyle that prioritizes everyone else’s needs over your own.
Chronic stress due to work demands, personal and social obligations, and psychological and lifestyle factors increases cortisol levels, disrupts sleep, and drains the body’s natural energy reserves.
Add in poor food choices, erratic eating patterns, missed workouts, and too much caffeine and your system will eventually become empty.
Constant digital stimulation also plays a role. The endless stream of notifications, emails and social media feeds keep your brain on high alert, overstimulating dopamine – the neurotransmitter associated with motivation and pleasure.
When dopamine signaling is blunted by overuse, it can leave you feeling unmotivated, mentally drainedand low energy consumption.
Boost energy naturally
Getting over year-end fatigue doesn’t mean slowing down completely. It means restoring balance so your body and mind can be refueled with simple but powerful strategies to regain your natural energy.
- Prioritize sleep: Energy begins with rest. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, ideally going to bed and waking up at the same time, even on weekends. Avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed and create a calm, dark environment that signals your body that it’s time to relax.
- Stay hydrated: Even mild dehydration can cause sluggishness and poor concentration. Keep a water bottle on hand throughout the day and balance caffeinated drinks with extra water, electrolytes and herbal teas.
- Eat for sustainable energy: Focus on balanced meals based on nutritious whole foods. Combine lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats to keep blood sugar stable and prevent energy crashes. Add lots of colorful fruits and vegetables for vitamins and antioxidants that support brain and body recovery.
- Move smart: Regular activity helps maintain energy and improves mood, but overtraining can have the opposite effect. Get some form of exercise every day, even a short walk between meetings.
- Rest: Prioritize rest in the days leading up to the holiday. You’ve put in a lot of hard work over the last 11 months. now it’s time to let this workout sink in so your body can adjust. You don’t need to take your foot off the gas, but allow 48 hours of rest between intense workouts. Just don’t stop moving! Short, purposeful breaks during the workday help reduce mental fatigue. Go outside, stretch, or try a quick breathing exercise to calm your nervous system and enhance focus as you walk.
- Manage stress: Simple stress management tools like journaling, talking to someone you trust, or practicing gratitude can help prevent emotional overload. Maintaining strong social ties also supports mental recovery and overall well-being.
Smart supplements
Along with these lifestyle changes, Some targeted supplements can help maintain energy and support recovery during the latter part of the year.
Biogen Vitamin B Complex Fizzy contains B vitamins, which play a key role in converting food into energy and supporting healthy nerve function to enhance mental and physical performance.
You can also support better quality rest so you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated Biogen Magnisol Sleep. The formula combines magnesium with inositol and vitamin C to promote relaxation and overall well-being, while also supporting a healthy immune system and reducing oxidative stress.
Your mental acuity and cognitive function can also affect how you feel and function before the end of the year. Support brain and nervous system health and function with Biogen Supreme Omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Power up before the holidays
As the year draws to a close, break the cycle of year-end burnout by intentionally slowing down, prioritizing recovery, and rebuilding your energy reserves to beat year-end fatigue.
With consistent rest, restorative exercise, mindful movement, a balanced diet, and proper nutritional support, you can have the vacation you deserve feeling energized and rejuvenated.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sports or health and fitness, Pedro is most likely out training for his next marathon or ultramarathon. She has worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms specialist. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
