As December begins, life becomes calmer and more festive with events like Christmas and New Year. Social media is full of jokes and memes that say “December is the Friday of the year.” Many of us relate to the idea because this month seems like a long hiatus waiting for it to happen. But along with this festive mood, some people notice that they feel tired, distracted or forgetful. This is often referred to as holiday brain fog.
Holiday brain fog isn’t just a fun phrase. Experts say it’s a real experience that happens when we’re tired from a long year and start thinking about the holidays.
“Brain fog occurs due to high levels of inflammation and hormonal changes that affect mood, energy and focus. Stress, poor sleep and unhealthy habits during the festive season often trigger this condition,” shares Dr. Meenakshi Manchanda, Associate Director of Psychiatry at Asiatic Hospital.
Moreover, the comparison “Friday” makes sense. Just as Friday makes us think of the weekend, December makes us think of vacations, celebrations, and spending time with loved ones. But with this mindset, it’s easy to lose track of time, forget tasks, or feel too tired to finish what needs to be done.
“Vacations are meant to rejuvenate the brain, but sometimes they can do the opposite. Lack of sleep due to early sightseeing, irregular meal times and excessive consumption of rich, sugary foods or alcohol can disrupt the body’s rhythms, leaving the brain sluggish and unfocused,” explains Dr. Praveen Gupta, CEO and Head of Neurology, Fortis Hospital.
How to deal with holiday brain fog:
Holiday brain fog occurs as a result of stress, disrupted routines, and overindulgence during the holiday season. Busy schedules, late nights, and heavy meals can disrupt sleep, raise cortisol levels, and lead to cognitive fatigue.
To combat this, Dr. Sneha Sharma, consultant psychiatry at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, suggests maintaining a regular sleep schedule and adding relaxing activities like reading or yoga to your day. Staying hydrated is very important, especially if you drink coffee or alcohol.
Balancing holiday treats with healthy foods like fruits, nuts, and leafy greens helps keep your energy up. Daily physical activity, even a short walk, increases mental clarity. Simplify tasks by using to-do lists and setting boundaries to avoid over-commitment.
