December is supposed to be the month of slowing down, switching off, and sinking into the softness of the holidays. But for many professionals – especially in media, fashion, content creation, and digital roles – December often becomes one of the busiest months of the year.
End-of-year shoots, campaigns, travel assignments, and last-minute deliverables can easily push you toward burnout if you’re not careful.
The good news? You can travel for work during peak season without losing your energy, joy, or sense of balance. Here’s how to manage the grind, protect your mental health, and stay inspired – even when you’re not getting a year-end break.
Create a travel routine that grounds you
When your environment changes constantly, your habits become your anchor.
It begins with start your mornings the same way at every destination. Hydration, journaling, stretching, or a short walk. Carry one grounding item – your favourite tea, a travel candle, or your vitamins and keep a consistent sleep schedule, even if you’re shifting time zones or juggling long days.
Routine signals safety to your nervous system, reducing stress and boosting productivity.
Over-communicate with your team
Working on the move means your schedule is more fluid than usual. Avoid becoming overwhelmed by setting clear expectations:
- Share your travel schedule with colleagues ahead of time.
- Block out travel windows in your calendar so people know when you’re unavailable.
- Use status updates, auto-responders, or Slack notes during heavy travel days.
Being transparent helps lighten pressure and prevents unnecessary stress.
Build buffer time into every trip
Travel delays, long queues, missed connections – December loves to test your patience. Avoid burnout by giving yourself margins that include not book back-to-back meetings on travel days. This extra breathing space helps you stay composed and reduces emotional fatigue.
Keep work light on transit days
Planes, trains, and lounges are not ideal offices – especially during holiday chaos. Instead of forcing heavy tasks,
- Use transit days for admin, easy edits, light emails, or brainstorming new ideas.
- Save deep work for when you’re settled.
- Download a podcast, playlist, or audiobook that calms you.
Your brain and body already work harder when you travel – don’t overload them.
Prioritise sleep like it’s part of the job
Nothing accelerates burnout faster than poor sleep, especially when you’re constantly moving.
-
Use earplugs, sleep masks, and white-noise apps in noisy hotels.
-
Keep your room cool and dark.
-
Avoid late scrolling – December anxiety hits hardest at 1am.
A rested mind makes travel feel exciting, not draining.
Nourish yourself properly (Even when it’s tough)
Airport pastries and hotel breakfasts are fun… until they affect your energy, mood, and hormones.
Pack protein-rich snacks for stabilised energy. Try to get in at least one whole, balanced meal a day and hydrate – even if it means asking for extra water on flights.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s supporting your body so it can support your workload.
Make your evenings sacred
When you’re not taking a December break, your micro-moments of rest matter more.
- Take a warm shower or bath when you return to your room.
- Do a short stretch routine to release tension.
- Unwind with a book, series, or quiet moment of stillness.
Protecting your evenings prevents the feeling that you’re “always on.”
Give yourself something to look forward to
If you’re skipping a December holiday, create small pockets of joy. Book a spa treatment at your hotel, plan a mini solo date in every city: a coffee shop, a museum, a beach walk or schedule a January or February getaway so your mind knows rest is coming.
Anticipation itself reduces burnout.
Remember that you’re human, not a machine
Working through December can spark comparison – everyone online looks like they’re switching off, relaxing, and celebrating.
If you’re juggling deadlines with airports and deliverables, remind yourself:
- You’re allowed to slow down.
- You’re allowed to pause.
- You’re allowed to take care of yourself even while working.
Your wellbeing is just as important as your productivity.
Work travel doesn’t have to drain you – especially during December. With the right habits, boundaries, and moments of softness, you can stay energised, grounded, and inspired all the way into the new year.
You deserve to finish strong and feel good doing it.
ALSO SEE:
Featured Image: DupePhoto
