The festive and wedding season is all about showing up, any place, any time and soaking in the fun and frolic. But let’s be honest, it can also mean endless commitments and the pressure to look flawless where your daily routines go awry. Amidst these challenges, it’s critical to avoid social burnout. We’ve got you covered, courtesy a mental health expert.

→ Festive fatigue 101
“The term refers to a state of mind where we feel physically and mentally exhausted due to prolonged and intense social interaction,” explains counselling psychologist Bhaavika Vachani. Signs include emotional exhaustion, where individuals feel drained, irritated, or detached in social settings. Physical fatigue and feeling constantly tired, sluggish with headaches, or muscle tension can make mundane tasks feel daunting. Cognitive fog, including difficulty focusing or forgetting details, is another red flag. “Attending an event may evoke a sense of dread, heightened restlessness, social withdrawal and loss of enjoyment for some turning activities and interactions they once loved into unfulfilling obligations,” she explains.