With a month left until a new year and a new decade, many successful young people may find themselves highly determined to finish the year strong instead of taking much-needed rest and time to reflect.
Millennials are now the largest demographic in the American workforce, and up to 42% have made the decision to freelance, according to online magazine FastCompany. What’s more, millennials contribute to a self-employment rate that is reported likely to triple to 42 million workers by 2020 according to a 2017 Deloitte study. Other work trends related to the future of freelance and self-employment illustrate millennials’ predisposition to overwork, have poor work/life balance, and suffer from a surprisingly high rate of burnout, anxiety and depression.
The added stress of traveling, socializing and the pressure to stay “on-brand” and document all of the above on social media often makes it difficult to disconnect the mind from work, or worse, gain motivation to go back to work. To help keep work-life balance on track and avoid burnout, choose intentional and mindful rest during the holiday season.
Review and Reflect
Take time to map out what you’ve achieved this year, and make at least three goals for the upcoming year. Seeing all your accomplishments in one list is a reminder of everything you truly were able to accomplish these last 12 months, and it might help you in the next step.
Little Doses of Mindfulness
Balance the holiday hustle and bustle with little doses of mindfulness. Instead of trying to multi-task and hustle, slow down and force yourself to take 10 or even 5-minute mindfulness breaks every hour. These breaks, however small, can result in more clarify, more energy, and greater efficiency.
Unplug From Social Media
Go on a social media/internet hiatus. Particularly during the holidays, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle that appears effortlessly curated on social channels. Taking a break could help improve sleep, reduce anxiety levels, and give yourself some time to do, well, anything else.
Take Time for Yourself
No, I mean actually take time for yourself. And don’t feel guilty about it! Young people who fall into the millennial age group, anywhere from 22 to 38, are entrenched in a deeper problem known as “millennial burnout.” Recently legitimized as a syndrome, millennial burnout is a growing problem due to trends like rising workloads, longer hours and limited staff and resources coupled with financial and social stressors.
This article was featured in the December 2019 issues of Townelaker and Around Woodstock Magazine. Read the full issues online or pick up a hard copy at your nearest Cherokee County retailers.
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