Tips on how to handle end-of-year stress
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Vicky Stark
24 November 2025 | 11:25'We tend to get a little bit angrier and more aggressive with people in the car or with family members,' says Keri Rudolph, a wellness expert and founder of The IV Bar.
AI-generated angry driver, road rage / Pixabay: myshoun 8548344 1280
It's been a loooong year, yet there is still so much to do before we get to the holidays. So, what are the signs that your body is taking strain in this sprint to the finish line?
Keri Rudolph says one common symptom is brain fog.
"You're losing focus; when you read something over and over again, and you can't remember what you've read. Or you go park your car somewhere at a shopping centre and you can't remember where you parked it."
She says that often we also see our patience and emotional tolerance slipping.
"We tend to get a little bit more angry and aggressive with people in the car or with family members."
End-of-year stress can also affect our sleep, cause headaches and changes in appetite.
"Your body is saying, 'I'm running low, please recharge me before I crash'," says Rudolph.
We need to be more conscious about our health, consideringthat his time of year requires extra effort.
"The teams are being pushed to wrap up targets, businesses are closing their projects, they've got to get things in, and there are personal responsibilities like kids' exams.
So what should we be doing to ensure we make it through 2025?
"At this time of year, especially, nutrition fuels your brain, stabilises blood sugar, and supports your hormone balance. So, if you're skipping meals or you're relying on your quick energy food, you're going to feel that slump, especially if you're getting more sugar, that's what you think you need and then all of a sudden you crash. So, nutrition is essential."
Next, look at hydration. "People completely underestimate how much hydration you need. They used to say one to two litres, now they say three to four litres a day, especially if you're in a very hot city.
