The Real Reason You're Exhausted This Winter

I don’t know about you, but this year I’ve met more people who are frazzled, overwhelmed, and feeling more exhausted than ever.

People's tanks seem empty, weighed down by the continued stressors of post-pandemic life. Even though we’ve resumed many of our routines, the mental and physical toll of the past few years still lingers.

Add to that the relentless pace of modern life, and it’s no surprise we’re running on empty. As the snow begins to fall and Christmas edges closer, the signs of exhaustion are everywhere, coughs, colds, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue. While lack of sleep, poor diet, and stress certainly play their parts, there’s another subtler culprit at work: our constant need to be busy.

The Pressure to Always Be Doing

Last week, a client told me how she felt like a hamster on a wheel, with non-stop tasks but no sense of progress. Her story struck a chord with me because it’s something I hear often.

The past few years forced us to adapt, pivot, and juggle like never before. But many of us doubled down instead of slowing down as life normalised. We packed our calendars with obligations, convinced that catching up on life meant doing more.

Now, as the festive season looms, this mindset has stuck. Christmas expectations bring with them an endless to-do list: buying presents, planning meals, attending events, and curating “perfect” moments. For many, this season feels less about joy and connection and more about simply surviving the chaos.

But here’s the thing: the constant need to do more might actually be stealing your energy.

What Over-Scheduling Does to Your Body

When your schedule leaves no room to breathe, your stress systems are pushed into overdrive. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

Your Brain Stays on High Alert: Each task on your to-do list signals urgency to your brain, activating your stress response. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol surge through your body, designed to handle emergencies. The problem? This "fight-or-flight" mode was never meant to be permanent.
Energy Reserves Deplete: Chronic stress drains your energy and compromises your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to illness. Essential nutrients like magnesium and vitamin B6 are depleted faster under stress, further impacting your ability to cope.
Sleep Suffers: Stress disrupts the natural rhythms that help you wind down at night. As a result, you might find yourself tossing and turning or waking up feeling unrested, no matter how many hours you get.

The irony is that when we try to do more, we often achieve less because we’re too tired to function at our best.

Recognising When You’re Over-Scheduled

If you’re wondering whether over-scheduling could be the root of your winter exhaustion, ask yourself these questions:

Is your calendar packed from morning to night?
Do you feel guilty when you’re not busy?
Are you constantly multitasking but never feel caught up?
Is rest something you only dream of, not something you prioritise?

If you nodded along to any of these, it’s a sign that your busyness might be costing you more than it’s giving.

How to Break Free from the Busyness Trap

The good news? You don’t have to cancel Christmas to reclaim your energy. You can bring balance back into your life by making a few intentional changes.

Reassess Your Priorities
Take a step back and look at your to-do list. What truly matters to you this season? Focus on activities and commitments that align with your values, and let go of the ones that don’t.
Say No (and Mean It)
Politely declining an invitation or event can feel difficult, but it’s a powerful way to protect your energy. Remember: every “yes” to something you don’t value is a “no” to something that matters more.
Build in Downtime
Rest doesn’t happen by accident, it happens by design. Block off time in your calendar for quiet evenings, family time, or simply doing nothing. Think of this as recharging your battery, not wasting time.
Rethink “Perfect”
Let go of the need for everything to be Instagram-worthy. Christmas doesn’t need to be a picture-perfect feast or a stack of perfectly wrapped gifts. The real magic of the season is found in connection, not perfection.
Pause and Reflect
Take a few minutes each day to check in with yourself. Are you feeling calm or overwhelmed? Energised or depleted? This simple act of mindfulness can help you spot when your stress levels are climbing and give you the chance to course-correct.
Embrace the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO)
Instead of fearing what you’re missing, celebrate it. Skipping a party or event can give you the gift of a peaceful evening at home, which might be exactly what your body and mind need.

The Energy-Boosting Power of Doing Less

Here’s the surprising truth: doing less can help you achieve more. When you make space for rest, reflection, and connection, you restore your energy and give yourself the capacity to focus on what really matters.

Imagine waking up in the morning feeling calm and prepared instead of rushed and overwhelmed. Imagine finishing the day with enough energy to laugh with loved ones instead of collapsing into bed. That’s what’s possible when you step off the treadmill of busyness and embrace a slower, more intentional pace.

This winter, let’s challenge the belief that more is always better. The pressure to be constantly doing doesn’t just rob you of your energy, it robs you of the chance to experience the season.

Take a deep breath. Reassess your priorities. Say no to the things that drain you and yes to the things that nourish you. The best gift you can give yourself and those around you is your presence, calm and connected.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find the balance, you don’t have to navigate it alone. As a Nutritional Therapist and NLP Practitioner, I specialise in empowering women to increase their energy levels and resilience through tailored nutrition, mindset strategies, and personalised support. You can book a free call to discuss more here.

Author: Claire Thomas.

Categories: : busyness, energy, exhusation, stress