January Fatigue

As we dive into the New Year of 2025, many of my clients and mates are already complaining about fatigue.

What the heck? As the 'Sleep is your Superpower' Queen, I am flabbergasted! But, I also know that you're not alone.

Recent studies paint a worrying picture of how overextended many employees are. Globally, there are various stats about burnout, with some stating "a staggering 88% of workers report experiencing burnout". Even more concerning, senior-level women are almost twice as likely to experience burnout compared to their male counterparts.

In South Africa, the situation is equally alarming:

• 36% of the South African workforce experiences excessive daily stress.
• Over 71% report being disengaged at work.
• Poor sleep quality due to crime-related anxiety is directly impacting work performance for more than half of South African professionals.

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Why January Hits Harder?

The start of the year brings unique challenges:

• Post-holiday blues and a palpable void after the season of celebrations.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affecting mood and energy levels.
• The pressure to play catch-up after the holiday break.
• New Year's resolutions often setting unrealistic expectations.

As a resilience expert, I can't stress enough the importance of quality sleep and stress management for corporate performance.

BOUNCE FORWARD™ Strategies

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Whether you've returned to work or are dreading the start, here are some shifts to help you BOUNCE FORWARD™:

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1. Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. It's not a luxury; it's a necessity for peak performance.

2. Consistent Sleep Schedule: Maintain regular sleep and wake times, even on weekends, to regulate your body's internal clock.

3. Create a Sleep Sanctuary: Invest in a comfortable mattress and bedding, and ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.

4. Manage Stress: Implement stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises before bed.

5. Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to blue light from devices at least an hour before bedtime.

A Call to Action for Leaders
As leaders, we have a responsibility to address fatigue in our teams:

• Encourage mini breaks during the year.
• Promote a culture of rest and renewal.
• Create a culture of celebration, recognising successes and achievements of all sizes.
• Consider implementing recovery breaks every 90 to 120 minutes during the workday.

Remember, in the corporate world, prioritizing sleep and managing fatigue isn't just about individual well-being—it's an investment in productivity, creativity, and overall team performance.

Let's make 2025 the year we BOUNCE FORWARD™

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