With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, most are looking forward to a time of relaxation, celebration, and connection. But for countless women, these weeks often bring added layers of expectations and pressure, which can lead to overwhelm and further exhaustion at a time when rest and rejuvenation is crucial.
With the latest research confirming burnout rates are on the rise for women (from 38 per cent to 42 per cent), and on the decline for men (from 33 per cent to 30 per cent), it’s more crucial than ever for women to ensure they get adequate rest and rejuvenation these holidays if they want a balanced and fulfilling 2025.
But this is often easier said than done and, as a workplace psychological safety advisor and growth mindset coach, I have seen first-hand the pressure countless women face to be everything for everyone.
These pressures often stem from outdated societal conditioning around ‘a woman’s place’, which can manifest in mindset patterns and consequently behaviours that don’t serve their health, wellbeing or happiness in the long run.
Here are the three most common mindset patterns to be mindful of, along with practical tips to help women in business get the most out of the upcoming holidays.
Releasing ‘not good enough’
A deeply ingrained subconscious belief I see many women carry is the sense of “not being good enough”, leading them to overcompensate by doing more, pushing harder, and striving for perfection in both their personal and professional lives.
For many women in business, this often sees them taking on multiple roles and striving to prove their worth in spaces traditionally dominated by men.
During the holidays, this mindset can lead to a self-sabotaging cycle of exhaustion where, instead of resting, women aim to become the ‘perfect’ mother, partner, and host. While everyone else is enjoying themselves, women can find themselves overextending and left out of the very joy they seek to create for others.
Tip: Embrace the idea that ‘close enough is good enough’. Aim to bring only 70 per cent to everything you do rather than aiming for perfection. This small shift can allow you to do less and be present and enjoy the moments you are creating.
Reframe self-care from selfish to self-love
Many women were raised with the idea that their self-worth lies in caring for and nurturing others, and provided everyone else is happy and taken care of, it is a job well done. This conditioning often leads to feelings of guilt around self-care, making it easy for women to neglect their own wants, needs and desires.
These holidays, remind yourself that you are as deserving as everyone of rest, connection, and doing the things that fills your cup. Taking time to care for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s self-love and also essential for long term sustainable success.
Tip: Before the holidays begin, commit to five activities that will genuinely recharge you, and write them down as a commitment to yourself. Whether it’s a regular walk, a massage or a spa day, a few mornings to sleep in and take it slow, or a night out with friends, honouring these small acts of self-care can have a profound effect on your rest and rejuvenation.
Normalise asking for help
The combination of ‘not good enough’ and ‘worthiness’ subconscious beliefs often makes asking for help feel like a sign of failure.
There’s a sense that if you can’t do it all, you are somehow falling short. However, the reality is that a load shared is a load halved. The question isn’t whether you can do it all, but rather, why would you want to?
Asking for help is not only practical, it also allows others to contribute, creating a more balanced experience for everyone.
Tip: Before the holiday season starts, list everything you would like to experience and what needs to be done to make that a reality. Then identify which tasks others can do, and delegate them accordingly. Remember to play to everyone’s strengths, keep the parts you enjoy and ask others to take on roles they are naturally good at. Have an open conversation about roles and responsibilities before the festivities begin to ensure everyone gets time to switch off and enjoy everything the holiday period has to offer.
Taking back control
Reframing your mindset is no easy feat and it certainly is not a one hit wonder. But with time, commitment and continuous application, I have seen countless women take back control, move beyond burnout and experience fulfilling and sustainable careers and lives.
