Taking Care of Ourselves

By Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, President & CEO
Published November 19, 2024

If you’ve been in a retail store lately, you’re sure to have noticed that the holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving and Christmas items were already on display before Halloween candy and decor were marked down or stored away. 

In 2024, there’s no longer a comfortable, leisurely transition from one holiday to another or a chance to take a breather. In many ways, the increasing amount of “stuff” and the dizzying pace of change are negatively impacting both our health and ability to perform.

When I refer to “stuff,” I don’t just mean material goods. My definition includes the vast quantity of information that’s coming at us 24/7. A friend recently announced that they were taking a digital break, because social media had become addictive and was leading to feelings of anxiety and depression. I’ve also had friends take a year off from purchases outside of essential goods and services. And every break-taker I’ve met has reported an almost immediate boost in their mood, sleep, finances, and overall well-being.

So, why don’t more people break away from things that are draining their minds and bodies? Why do we feel so much pressure to rush, achieve, squeeze more into every 24 hours, and keep up with others? 

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, the problem is no longer just an adult one. American children have become so overscheduled with academics, sports, music, and other activities that they need help learning how to plan, organize, and accomplish multistep projects. 

The author points to well-meaning parents as the culprit in this epidemic because they’re not only signing their kids up for too much, but also doing too much for them. By not allowing children to make some of their own decisions, prioritize their own tasks, and make their own mistakes, parents are inadvertently hindering their kids’ personal development and even worse, potentially causing them stress, anxiety and other serious mental health conditions.  

Frequently, when reviewing comments in the employee engagement surveys our organization conducts, I find employees who report feeling overwhelmed and burned out. They often reference unrealistic expectations by leadership and unequal distribution of work assignments. In most cases, these perceptions lead to a drop in job satisfaction, decreased engagement, and an increased chance that they will seek employment elsewhere.

Clearly, the sheer quantity of work and required activities for both children and adults has skyrocketed in the past few decades. When combined with amazing advances in technology and the vast options for news, entertainment, sports, hobbies, and travel, many find it has become too much. Their cups are overflowing, but not in a positive way. 

Maybe it’s time to slow down, press pause, unplug, check out, and make time, space, and a little peace acceptable. Perhaps we need to communicate more clearly regarding our personal capacity. If we don’t let others know, they probably assume we have more time and energy than we really do. 

So, if you’re feeling like 2024 has been a lot, it’s OK and you’re not alone. To be better prepared to face 2025, consider how you’re going to recharge your batteries and communicate your own boundaries. Be judicious with your choices and support others even if their preferences don’t align with your own. Together we can help each other deal with all the “stuff,” and maybe make everything just a little better. 

This article, authored by Mary Lynn, was written for publication in the Daily Herald.