I recently moved in with my partner David, and between blending our families, settling into a beautifully renovated home, navigating the festive season and running my business, life has been... chaotic. Expecting mess, arguments between the kids, and dog-related disasters, we braced ourselves for mayhem. To my surprise, the kids have been angels, and the dog is thriving in her new surroundings.
The chaos, however, has come from me. My endless to-do lists seem to multiply and swirl around me. I’ve been snappy, overwhelmed, and desperately trying to juggle too many balls in the air. It all came to a head when my multitasking led to one disaster after another: brown stains on our new cream sofa from body makeup, my oil burner leaving a mark on the timber dining table, and finally, the ultimate calamity—the Christmas tree.
Despite David’s warnings about using the big terracotta pot (he was concerned I’d miss the stand when watering), I rushed ahead when the tree delivery arrived, too focused on getting it set up quickly to think it through properly. Sure enough, I overwatered the tree, exactly as David had predicted, and the pot leaked. With just ten minutes before I had to leave for the airport—having run out of time earlier—I tried to fix it last-minute. That’s when disaster struck. The tree tipped over in slow motion, undoing the hours my kids and I had spent decorating it with brand-new baubles. Pine needles, water, and shattered glass covered the floor—absolute carnage.
It was a stark reminder that my multitasking and rushing to get everything ‘perfect’ weren’t helping anyone, least of all me.
Reflecting on this, I realise the root cause wasn’t just multitasking; it was my attempt to do everything perfectly while keeping all the balls in the air. Instead of creating harmony, I created chaos. And as research confirms, multitasking doesn’t just stress us out—it sets the stage for burnout.
The Link Between Multitasking and Burnout
A 2010 study by Leiter and Maslach in the Journal of Organisational Behaviour found that constant multitasking significantly contributes to cognitive exhaustion. Task-switching drains mental resources, leaving us fatigued, unfocused, and more prone to accidents—classic signs of burnout. With the festive season in full swing, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do everything at once. But this manic pace can lead to complacency, mistakes, and ultimately, burnout.
So, how can we slow down, stay present, and protect our wellbeing during this busy time?
Here are three practical strategies to help you stop multitasking and enjoy the season.
1. Prioritise, Don’t Juggle
When everything feels urgent, it’s tempting to juggle tasks, but this only adds to overwhelm. Instead, prioritise by focusing on the most critical tasks first. Use a simple technique like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorise tasks by urgency and importance. By tackling one thing at a time, you’ll feel more in control and less scattered.
Tip: Write down your top three priorities for the day. If anything else comes up, park it for later unless it’s truly urgent.
2. Schedule Rest Like It’s a Meeting
The festive season is busy, but rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Research shows that rest helps reduce cognitive load and prevents burnout. Build breaks into your day and stick to them, even if it’s just 10 minutes to breathe, stretch, or step outside.
Tip: Block out time in your calendar for rest and downtime, just as you would for an important meeting. Protect it fiercely.
3. Be Fully Present in the Moment
One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and others this season is your full attention. Whether you’re decorating the tree, wrapping presents, or catching up with loved ones, focus solely on the task or conversation at hand. This not only reduces stress but makes the moment more meaningful.
Tip: Put your phone away during these moments. Resist the urge to check emails or multitask—your presence matters more than perfection.
Protect Your Energy to Show Up Fully
As I’ve learned from my own experience, multitasking leads to mishaps, complacency, and eventually burnout. But by slowing down, prioritising rest, and being present, you can protect your energy and approach the season with clarity and calm. When you focus on what truly matters, you’ll not only reduce stress but also create space for joy and connection.
Wishing you a season filled with balance, focus, and the moments that matter most.
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