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Festive burnout: A guide to navigating the social demands of the holidays. If you're feeling irritable or disengaged or experience a sense of dread when you look at your calendar,you may be suffering from social burnout, according to Jan P. de Jonge. psychologist at People Business Psychology. Here are some tips for navigating the busy holiday period: Just be you A good way to help avoid social burnout is to accept who you are, and what you are like. “There is no need to be a social butterfly no obligation to enjoy that next Christmas work do or New Year's Eve party. Even if others are, or seem excited about them. Just be you.” Don't feel guilty about saying no Social burnout may be caused by feeling obliged to socialise more or longer than is natural to you. “Practise saying 'No' to that next invitation if you feel you're not up to it or just don't feel like it! Accept your own valid argument of needing some downtime.” Don't compare yourself It can be hard not to compare yourself to others when you're at an event and some people are naturally more gregarious than you. “If you don't feel like socialising then show some interest in the people around you. But there's no need to overdo it. You don't need to be the life of the party or the person to have the stories. Be a good listener instead.” Be open and honest Speak to bosses, colleagues and family about how many engagements you can attend and explain that you have too many plans and are feeling drained. Adjust your diary and make limits If your schedule is looking hectic then move things to other weeks to make it more manageable. ”Change how and when you socialise by reducing the length and time of day that you meet. Don't feel pressured to stay for a nightcap or dessert.” THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT