What is ‘festive exhaustion’ and how do you fight it during the holidays?

Holidays and gift wrapping. (Pexels/Photo by Karola G)

Canadians are feeling the effects of festive exhaustion. Being depressed, tired and isolated through the holidays can impact sleep and quality of life.

Sleep expert Amanda Jewson told CTV’s Your Morning on Friday that despite the holidays often including “time off,” many people report feeling more tired.

There are a few reasons for that, she said.

“(It’s) the hosting overload that really happens in the holidays. We become unpaid party planners,” Jewson said.

People get so caught up with invitations, social events and hosting that can take a big toll on themselves and their families, she added.

Meanwhile, they forget about the effects of alcohol and late nights on their body.

“Alcohol is part of the cultural implications of the holidays, but it does impact our sleep,” Jewson said. “It changes our sleep architecture – which means we’re not getting the same restful sleep, and it can take two to three days to feel recovered after having quite a few beverages on those evenings.”

According to her, data shows people also do not get restful sleep and recovery when they aren’t at home.

This combination of travel, socializing, planning, drinking and late nights add up.

“The days over days over days. It impacts us,” Jewson said.

“The mental load of the holidays we’re thinking about gifts, travel, batteries, all of those things, groceries... it’s a lot.”

However, Jewson said she believes there are multiple ways to combat this festive exhaustion, such as preparation and dedicated time for self care.

“I like to give ourselves a golden hour,” she said.

“I recommend this to all my clients – preferably 30 to 60 minutes before you’re going to bed, no wrapping, no calling, no planning, just for you. Whatever that looks like, skin care, a bath, something luxurious."

She added it’s important to “really prioritize your sleep,” saying that getting seven to nine hours of rest can help deal with the chaos of the holidays.

“Make that a standard. Every single night. You can do the rest of the stuff if you have those hours of sleep,” Jewson said.

She travels with a “care package” that includes items like a nap pillow, pillow spray, sleep mask, earplugs and other such self-care items that can ensure her sleep quality when she is away from home.

She also highlighted the importance of being able to say “no” to certain things that can eat into your energy.

“Give yourself some opportunities to say no where it makes sense for you and your family,” she said.