Published on Feb 04, 2026 | 8:58 AM
Share Article :
Many people expect stress to peak during the holidays — travel, gatherings, expenses, and packed schedules. But for many, emotional exhaustion doesn’t hit until weeks later, in January or February.
This happens because the nervous system can stay in “performance mode” temporarily. During busy periods, adrenaline and momentum mask fatigue. Once the external pressure lifts, the body finally registers the strain — and exhaustion surfaces.
Emotional exhaustion isn’t sadness or burnout alone. It’s a state where emotional capacity is reduced. Everyday tasks feel heavier. Social interactions drain energy. Focus feels harder to maintain.
It often shows up physically:
During the holidays, routines are disrupted. Sleep, eating, movement, and downtime all change. Even positive events require emotional and cognitive effort. The nervous system postpones recovery until it feels safe to slow down.
When January arrives and stimulation decreases, fatigue that was deferred finally appears.
A common mistake is trying to “fix” exhaustion with aggressive goals. Emotional recovery works best with:
Some people find these tools helpful:
These support recovery routines rather than forcing productivity.
If emotional exhaustion feels persistent, overwhelming, or starts to interfere with daily life, a brief check-in with a CallOnDoc provider can help clarify contributing factors and guide supportive next steps — without long waits or added stress.
Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
Why you might be tired in September?
If you've noticed yourself yawning more, reaching for that second cup of coffe, or struggling to keep your eyes open in September , you're not alone. Many people feel unusuaaly tired during this season - and it's not just your imagination.
Sep 03, 2025 | 2:05 PM
Read More
The Emotional, Financial, and Health Impacts of Delaying Care
We’ve all done it—put off a doctor’s visit because we’re too busy, worried about cost, or simply hoping symptoms will resolve on their own. While it might feel like the easier choice in the moment, delaying care often comes with a much bigger price than we realize. Let’s break down the true costs—emotional, financial, and health-related—and explore how telehealth is helping patients avoid them.
Oct 20, 2025 | 6:55 PM
Read More
Why you might be tired in September?
If you've noticed yourself yawning more, reaching for that second cup of coffe, or struggling to keep your eyes open in September , you're not alone. Many people feel unusuaaly tired during this season - and it's not just your imagination.
Sep 03, 2025 | 2:05 PM
The Emotional, Financial, and Health Impacts of Delaying Care
We’ve all done it—put off a doctor’s visit because we’re too busy, worried about cost, or simply hoping symptoms will resolve on their own. While it might feel like the easier choice in the moment, delaying care often comes with a much bigger price than we realize. Let’s break down the true costs—emotional, financial, and health-related—and explore how telehealth is helping patients avoid them.
Oct 20, 2025 | 6:55 PM
Feedback from our amazing patients!
"I can’t believe I did not know about this kind of service! This was absolutely perfect for my health concern and they were able to provide me with the necessary medication and with such cinch. Completely recommended this service. For minor health concerns, this can save you an unnecessary and costly trip to an urgent care center."
"Amazing!! Easy and fast! I didn’t have to take my 4 year old into an urgent care where only god knows what germs are there. The doctor sent the script right to my pharmacy within minutes!!!"
"I would give 10 stars if I could! CallonDoc is literally the reason I am recovering instead of suffering as I write this. I was skeptical at first, but I’m not kidding when I tell you I got prescribed my antibiotics and picked it up at the pharmacy within 2 hours. So instead of waiting & paying around 300$...I paid 40$!! I’m very pleased."
Be the first to know when we offer deals.
Want to learn about a specific topic or condition?