7 Things to Do Before 2026 If You Want to Stop Running on Empty Next Year

December 31, 2025

Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or constantly “on”?
You’re not alone - and you’re not broken.

Burnout has quietly become the default mode for many busy, thoughtful, high-achieving people. If you’re ending the year drained and promising yourself that next year will be calmer, this guide is for you.

Here are 7 simple, realistic things to do before 2026 if you want to stop running on empty and start the new year feeling more grounded, energised, and supported.

Why so many people feel burned out by the end of the year

Burnout rarely happens overnight. It builds slowly through:

Chronic stress and mental overload
A lack of rest and recovery
Constant pressure to be productive
Ignoring the body’s signals

When rest becomes something you “earn” instead of something you need, exhaustion is inevitable.

The good news? You don’t need a total life overhaul. Small, intentional shifts - especially before the year ends - can make a real difference.

1. Stop romanticising being busy

Being busy is often mistaken for being successful. In reality, it’s frequently a sign of:

Poor boundaries
Nervous system overload
Fear of slowing down

Before the year ends, notice how often you default to “I’m just so busy.” Ask yourself what’s actually underneath that sentence. Awareness is the first step out of burnout.

2. Do an energy audit (not just a to-do list)

Productivity tools won’t fix exhaustion if the real issue is energy depletion.

Try this:

List what consistently drains your energy
List what genuinely restores it
Identify what you keep doing out of obligation, guilt, or habit

Your energy is finite. Managing it well is an act of self-respect.

3. Move your body without trying to fix it

Many people approach movement as a way to control or correct their bodies. This keeps the nervous system in a constant state of tension.

Instead, choose movement - like yoga -that:

Encourages awareness, not punishment
Supports the nervous system
Meets you where you are

Gentle, accessible yoga practices can help reduce stress, release tension, and rebuild trust with your body.

4. Choose one wellbeing ritual you’ll actually keep

You don’t need a perfect morning routine or a two-hour evening reset.

Choose one small ritual you can realistically maintain:

Five minutes of stretching or breathwork
A short yoga practice a few times a week
A weekly check-in with yourself

Consistency matters more than intensity when it comes to wellbeing.

5. Stop waiting for the “right time” to rest

There will always be another deadline, project, or busy season.

If you keep postponing rest, your body learns that slowing down isn’t safe - and burnout deepens.

Rest is not a reward. It’s a requirement.

6. Redefine what “enough” looks like

Burnout is often fuelled by unrealistic expectations.

Before 2026, reflect on:

What “enough” means for your body, not your ego
Where your standards are driven by fear or comparison
How you can prioritise sustainability over constant effort

Doing less - but with intention - often leads to more balance and clarity.

7. Decide how you want to feel next year

Instead of focusing only on goals, focus on feelings.

Ask yourself:

How do I want to feel in my body?
How do I want my days to feel?
What would support that feeling consistently?

Feeling calm, supported, and energised doesn’t happen by accident - it’s designed through small, daily choices.

How yoga and intentional movement support burnout recovery

Yoga isn’t just about flexibility or fitness. When practised mindfully, it can:

Regulate the nervous system
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve energy levels
Support sustainable self-care habits

This is why practices that are accessible, inclusive, and realistic are so important - especially for people navigating busy lives.

A gentle reminder before the new year

You don’t need to hit rock bottom to slow down.
You don’t need to become someone new to feel better.
You’re allowed to choose a different pace - starting now.

At Ladina Yoga, everything we create is designed to support real life, real bodies, and real energy levels - not perfection.