COVID Burnout Is Real — Here's How to Cope, According to an Expert

how to cope with covid burnout

The last 16 months have led to some serious emotional, psychological, and physical COVID burnout. The opportunity to hug loved ones, attend graduation, or even give birth with a partner in the room was swapped with having to balance work, family, and everything else life threw at us. Everything has felt totally out of our control, and more than once, a lot of us have struggled to make it through the day. A study from Frontiers defines collective trauma as "a cataclysmic event that shatters the basic fabric of society." We know how hard it's been to process everything that's happened in the last year and a half. That's why we spoke with trauma expert and psychologistDr. Karol Darsa about how to address burnout, and heard from three women who have experienced it over the past year.

Stress vs. Trauma

According to a study from NCCI, less than 6 percent of Americans worked from home in 2019, but that number rose to around 35 percent by the time May 2020 rolled around. And while working from home was a fun concept pre-COVID, we now realize that it's more than just hanging out in your pajamas. Those who've shifted to working from home have had to make room for a somewhat-permanent workspace... and it's a lot harder to maintain a work-life balance when your laptop is sitting three feet away at all times. Meanwhile, people who haven't been able to work from home have had to deal with the stress of worrying about COVID, the difficulty of providing care for family members while still going into work, and the constant tension of navigating crowds.

Even though we've all dealt with stress throughout our lives, there's a difference between stress and this kind of emotional burnout.

"What tends to make this different from 'normal' stress is the intensity of the experience, the length of time it lasts, and the time it takes for the person to settle down," Dr. Darsa says.

Trauma is also different than stress because it can be harder for someone to talk about what they've been through.

"Traumatic experiences are always stressful, but stressors are not always traumatic," she says. "In contrast to trauma, people who experience stress maintain a feeling of control over their lives to some degree." According to Dr. Darsa, prolonged stress can turn into trauma when the person becomes unable to cope.

Adjusting To The "New Normal"

"Burnout has caused me to question every aspect of my life," college junior Malia McKay says. "I've second guessed my relationships, my future, and my passions. This mainly stems from the prolonged period of time I've had to self-reflect, which can be both helpful and harmful."

While adjusting to COVID during school, McKay also had another adjustment to make: She lives with hearing loss, but because of the mask mandate, she could no longer read lips. The first time McKay wore a mask to the store, she didn't realize her mom had been talking to her.

"I think simultaneously, we both realized that although the entire world was being negatively impacted, I now had a new obstacle to overcome. I felt defeated," she says. "I've gotten along with my hearing loss rather well, but losing the ability to read lips is equivalent to losing a sense to me."

Publicist Megan Brodsky's burnout also began early in the pandemic.

"I remember one day just feeling so bogged down by what I needed to get done — not because it was difficult or a lot to do, but because I just lost interest," she says. "I've struggled to complete easy tasks that I know won't take long, but starting them feels impossible." she says.

Burnout started for Junior Graphic Designer Katelyn Nieto when she began onboarding at her first job post-grad, which was also the first day her city shut down for COVID.

"Most days, I was hardly given space by them to make dinner at night, nonetheless keep up with anything else," she says.

She experienced breakdowns and became sick for long periods of time because of the stress, and then had to turn around and plan her wedding on top of that.

Why COVID Is Different

Image via Luis Galvez/Unsplash

After awhile, it was clear that COVID would stick around longer than anyone had hoped, and the burnout stayed with it.

"Waking up to see my laptop and work right in front of me started to take a toll," Brodsky says. "The days seemed to feel longer and the tasks that I typically enjoyed just didn't fulfill me as much. My burnout has continued to last until today, coming and going in waves."

Nieto didn't even realize she was experiencing burnout until she had to pull an all-nighter at work.

"After that, my body literally collapsed on a few different occasions. I decided it would be better to be jobless in a pandemic than to put my body through something like that again."

While we have lived through other large-scale traumatic events, COVID is on a different level because it's prevented us from being with others.

"When a collective trauma like 9/11 happened in New York, people got together and emotionally supported one another," Dr. Darsa says. But COVID is different. "For the first time we are not able to come together physically to support one another. Human beings need to gather and heal through relationships."

McKay has felt that isolation, even when surrounded by other people, when she lets others know about her hearing loss.

"This usually prompts them to say something along the lines of, 'I've noticed masks have affected my hearing as well!' While I know they're making an effort to relate to me, it almost feels like a punch in the gut," she says. "It minimizes the struggle I go through every moment of the day. But, it can also be helpful to remember I'm not alone."

What Now?

There are some signs that may indicate you're developing burnout, starting with your mood.

"Watch for signs of depression (sadness, crying, isolation, not sleeping or too much sleeping) or constant anxiety or irritability," Dr. Darsa says. "Overall a lack of desire or joy could be a sign that the person has burnt out now. They feel different and unable to enjoy things they used to."

So if you're feeling the effects of that trauma, what should you do about it? Brodsky has implemented some steps in her life to help with her burnout, including seeing a therapist.

"Just having a professional to speak with on what I'm feeling and how to cope has been so helpful," she says.

She's also been focusing on her physical health by working out in order to boost her mood.

"I'm able to recharge my mind and body after a long day of work, and have a time/space that's solely dedicated to bettering myself mentally, emotionally and physically," says Brodsky.

As for McKay, she has found that sharing her experiences with others has helped her feel more connected.

"I've had to adapt to my situation, and I've found that informing people of my hearing loss has helped a lot," she says. "I've also found community in social media, as many hard of hearing people share the effect the pandemic has had on us."

Nieto has slowly been adjusting to her work life balance with her new job, and has been given the chance to take on more leadership. "Surprisingly, the work has come more naturally than I thought. In a way, it has been part of the healing process," she says.

Healing

Now more than ever, we're learning that taking care of yourself has to be a consistent thing, even while figuring out what the new work-life balance looks like.

"This need to take care of ourselves while doing other things doesn't belong to the pandemic period only. This has to be our ongoing state. No matter what happens outside, we have an obligation to take care of ourselves," Dr. Darsa says.

"I try to actually let myself take breaks during the day — whether {that means taking} a quick walk when I'm not able to fully focus or taking a solid lunch break away from my work," Brodsky says. "That time has proven really valuable because I haven't always been someone who takes those breaks."

"All in all, it's been the little small things that have helped me to feel 'me' again," Nieto says. Walks, writing poetry, and a reminder at 3:00 p.m. that it's time for tea have all become a part of her daily routine. She also began counseling.

"I've learned to adjust my thoughts and take a kinder approach with myself, and others," she says. "And I'm still learning to hold both the joys and the sorrows of this past year as notes woven into the fabric of the same song."

If your mental health is struggling because of COVID burnout, consider texting the Crisis Text Line or using Psychology Today to find a therapist near you.

Image via Emma Simpson/Unsplash

Everyone deals with family issues, but some people had more dysfunctional childhoods than others. Are there ways to tell? According to family psychologist Caitlin Slavens of Mamapsychologistsand therapist Rachel D. Miller, Ph.D., LMFT of Hold The Vision Therapy, yes!

Slavens says, "As a family psychologist, I’ve seen how growing up in a dysfunctional family leaves its mark. Sometimes the signs are glaring, like obvious chaos or neglect." However, she said the signs can also be "more subtle" being that they're "things you don’t even realize were 'off' until you’re older." You may even "start noticing patterns in yourself or your relationships" if you've become retrospective, according to her.

Here are all the subtle signs you grew up in a dysfunctional family

1. You're never sure what kind of mood your parents will be in before you walk in the living room or kitchen.

Emma Bauso

Let's put this on record: parenting is tough — especially on top of trying to maintain a work-life balance. But, this doesn't mean you're meant to be unsure of what to expect every time you come around your parents. If you have to "'read the room'" a lot "before speaking," Slavens indicates this is one of the more subtle signs of dysfunction.

This is where you may have learned how to become passive-aggressive if that's something you struggle with. The reason for this is because "clear and direct communication is avoided and/or seen as bad or aggressive," according to Dr. Miller.

2. You tend to feel like you're constantly compared to and in competition with your siblings.

August de Richelieu

My heart truly wants to believe this isn't intentional behavior from parents, but I can't say I haven't heard people talk about feeling like they'd never measure up to the 'golden child' of their family. You may have felt insecure about your grades, the college you chose to go to, your career goals, or even your physical appearance. Slavens says this "struggle with self-worth or second-guessing yourself constantly" is yet another sign that your family's dynamic wasn't the healthiest.

Also, Dr. Miller says this could've caused you to learn to "shrink yourself in the presence of loved ones." Even worse, you may "feel the need to hide pieces of yourself in order to be loved and accepted."

3. There was constant yelling and screaming during arguments, making you fearful of disagreements or hardships.

Kaboompics.com

If you grew up in a home where arguments always led to screaming and yelling, chances are you're not a fan of loud voices or hard moments. Honestly, Slavens says it's not hard to believe that "conflict make you anxious, even when it’s minor." Unsurprisingly, you may have become a referee during these arguments and currently find yourself being a mediator in your platonic or romantic relationships. Why?

Dr. Miller says, "You constantly feel the need to manage everyone else’s emotions often at the cost of your own needs and wellbeing." You know, to keep the peace.

Here are some more obvious signs you grew up in a dysfunctional family

4. You had to take on a parental role when one of your parents decided to stop being an adult.

cottonbro studio

I imagine that having an emotionally immature parent is one of the most aggravating and stressful things to deal with. Not only that, but you may have had to help keep the household afloat. You may have had to get a job or two to help pay bills, listening to an adult conversation as your mom or dad laid their problems at your young feet, and more!

If you "family roles were flipped" and you "maybe had to parent your own parents," Slavens says this is a form of emotional dysfunction.

5. You weren't allowed to go anywhere with your friends because your parents wanted to keep an eye on you at all times.

Ketut Subiyanto

Slavens says boundaries that "didn't exist" or "were rigid and controlling" is a sign your home was a little...interesting. Being concerned about your whereabouts is one thing, but it's another when you're unable to do anything without your parents' eagle-eyes on you. Something as simple as going to the mall with your friends may have become a lecture about the dangers of shoplifting or car wrecks. Again, these are valid concerns but they shouldn't be treated like the verbal form of doom scrolling.

6. You consistently witnessed one of your parents abuse alcohol or drugs at home.

Ksenia Chernaya

This is a tough because substance abuse is so prevalent in varies socioeconomic statuses and communities. From the functioning alcoholic to the one who becomes belligerent after they've had too much to drink, it always affects those around them. Slavens says if "there was ongoing neglect, substance abuse, or verbal/physical aggression," your home probably didn't safe.

I recognize some of these signs of a dysfunctional family. But that doesn't mean they're affecting my current relationships, right?

Ron Lach

I hate to break it to you, but it's possible your childhood wounds have shown up before. "Dysfunctional dynamics don’t stay in childhood — they tend to creep into how you connect with others," says Slavens. Similarly, Dr. Miller agrees that "we typically repeat what we learned at home with our families in our other relationships." How?

"This includes the beliefs and rules we follow, often completely subconsciously, about what can and can’t talk about and why, as well as what emotions are allowed to be expressed, who can express them and how, and how we should or must respond to those people and their emotions," explains Dr. Miller.

Another way to look at this is how Slavens has outlined it:

In Platonic Relationships:

  1. Overextending yourself to please others, even at your own expense
  2. Feeling like you have to "earn your friends' affections.
  3. Avoiding vulnerability because it feels unsafe.

In Romantic Relationships:

  1. Struggling to trust your partner or feeling overly suspicious
  2. Repeating patterns like dating people who are emotionally unavailable or controlling.
  3. Feeling overly responsible for your partner's happiness — or relying on them for yours.

OMG! How do I unlearn habits from my dysfunctional family?

Antoni Shkraba

Honestly, everyone has a few bad habits they've carried from their childhood to adulthood. You're not an outlier because some things weren't 100% normal so I don't want you to feel like you're a failure for not having having it all together. "Dysfunction doesn’t have to define your future relationships," Slavens assures. Dr. Miller says you can start to unlearn things "that aren't working for you anymore" by "gathering your family's larger context to gain insight into how and why, for them, the behaviors make sense."

By taking a look at your family's "history and larger social and political contexts" gives you a chance to "see them as whole people with full lives," she says. Once you do that, she believes "you can examine what pieces make sense for you to keep and what parts you'd like to learn to do differently." Her other suggestion? Don't forget you're ability to utilize a "therapist who works systemically, like an LMFT" who "can be a huge support in this process."

Anastasia Shuraeva

Slavens' tips include the following:

  1. Practice self-awareness: Notice when a response feels automatic — like people-pleasing or shutting down during conflict — and ask yourself, Is this helping me, or is this a leftover habit from the past?
  2. Set boundaries: If your childhood lacked healthy boundaries, learning to say “no” without guilt is a game-changer. Boundaries protect your energy and teach others how to treat you.
  3. Learn healthy conflict skills: If conflict made you feel unsafe growing up, it’s natural to avoid it. But healthy conflict is necessary in relationships. Practice expressing your needs calmly and directly.
  4. Therapy, therapy, therapy: A good therapist can help untangle the messy, “weird” things that got normalized and give you tools to rebuild healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
  5. Surround yourself with healthier models: Whether it’s friends, mentors, or books/podcasts, seek examples of functional relationships and start observing what feels different.

While you're busy unlearning things, Dr. Miller also wants you to remember something. "Recognize that how your family does something is simply that; how your particular family system figured out and were taught to navigate the world. It isn’t inherently right because you’ve normalized it nor is the way another person or family does it inherently wrong," she says.

Slavens' final thoughts? "It’s not about blaming your family but recognizing how your experiences shaped you — and giving yourself permission to do things differently. You’re allowed to rewrite the script."

Visit the top signs to recognize if you have toxic friends on Brit + Co!

While the '90s offered so many wonderful things, and I really do mean so many (y'all remember those iconic '90s toys?!), the decade also offered some major film flops. Considering I was born in ‘98, it may seem like I don’t have a leg to stand on here, but trust me on this one.

Here are the 10 worst 90s movies that, simply, should not have been made.

1. ​The Waterboy (1998)

Touchstone Pictures

I have so much, yet simultaneously nothing, to say about Adam Sandler’s The Waterboy. Sandler unwittingly (as far as I know) mocks a stutter and it seems as though they wanted that to be the film’s funny bone, and when that didn’t succeed, there wasn’t much else holding this movie up. That’s probably why it has a 34 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

2. ​Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

Warner Bros. Pictures

Jim Carrey notoriously has a few poorly-rated films under his belt, but Ace Ventura: Pet Detective may take the cake. One of the reasons fans love Carrey is certainly for his range of facial expressions, but it has a time and place, and this film needed more than some quirky facial expressions to save it. The dialogue simply couldn’t be saved by a big Carrey grin, and for that reason, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is one of the worst films to come out of the 90s. And the movie’s 47 percent RT score isn’t doing it any favors.

3. ​Major Payne (1995)

Universal Pictures

Probably one of the most infamously bad movies of the decade, Major Payne (which has a 29 percent Rotten Tomatoes score) released in 1995 and we’ve never looked back… literally. I don’t know much about comedy, but I do know that delivery is everything, and Damon Wayans did not deliver.

4. ​Batman Forever (1995)

Warner Bros. Pictures

If there’s one thing the 2000s got right, it's the Batman franchise and universe. Unfortunately, the 90s missed the mark. Batman Forever leaned too heavily on over-the-top humor and campiness that it lacked any ounce of character development – something that is very needed in Batman movies, to say the least — which explains its 41 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

5. ​Wild Wild West (1999)

Warner Bros. Pictures

A diminished homage to the 1965 Wild Wild West show, the 1999 version failed to live up to the original’s tongue-in-cheek dialogue, developed characters, and the western of it all. Its campy tone didn’t win over new audiences and betrayed fans of the original series. All in all, Wild Wild West was a huge misfire, and only earned a 16 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

6. ​Hook (1991)

TriStar Pictures

I remember being so excited to watch this when I was a young lass, only to have my young self be very disappointed. Hook played far too much on creating a sentimental and nostalgic film that it neglected a plot line. It relied too heavily on honing in on references to the original tale that resulted in a messy plot that was, at the end of the day, confusing. Hook was sadly anything but magical, as is its 29 percent RT score.

7. ​RoboCop 3 (1993)

Orion Pictures International

RoboCop 3 completely deviated from what fans loved best in its original iteration. As most third installments do, RoboCop 3 was as much of a failure as it was a cash grab. It could’ve had something to do with swapping out and replacing the main actor for the protagonist, RoboCop, but what do I know? (The 9 percent Rotten Tomatoes score. That’s what I know.)

8. ​Mr. Wrong (1996)

Touchstone Pictures

Bill Pullman’s character isn’t the only thing wrong in Mr. Wrong, which has a 7 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. While rom coms usually, and obviously, consist of romance and comedy, this film’s plot points appeared manufactured and entirely unrealistic.It’s historically bad, so much so that Ellen DeGeneres (who stars in the movie) has joked about it being a “horrible flop that should have a sequel.” I get the joke, Ellen, I really do, but let’s hope there’s not a shred of seriousness in there.

9. ​Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)

20th Century

You’d think Speed 2: Cruise Control would set an example as to why sequels of great, standalone films should not be made, but alas we’re going to be plagued by them for years to come. This second installment lacked everything the first had to offer; the high-octane intensity, the action, the non-stop suspense, none of it was there in the sequel, leading to a film that lacked a real premise and any substance — and that got a 4 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

10. ​Barb Wire (1996)

Gramercy/Universal Pictures

I really didn’t want to put this one on the list because I love Pamela Anderson, but it’s only fair, and I cannot be biased. Barb Wire was, and remains, a hot mess with only a 28 percent RT score. There was no real trajectory of any aspects in this film, but particularly the aimless script. Thankfully, Anderson is having a redemption arc with her newest and upcoming film, The Last Showgirl and I’m loving it.

Did we miss one of your worst 90s movies? Check out our list of The Worst Movies of 2024 — and The Best Movies Of 2024!

It feels like every conversation I have these days involves a complaint about the sun setting super early. It’s me – I’m complaining.

I’m a notorious summer girl, so when daylight savings hit this fall, it literally felt like my energy (and general sense of self) was entirely depleted. I’m truly no stranger to the feeling. As someone with a genetic predisposition to depression, I’ve become familiar with the more intense seasonal depression (AKA seasonal affect disorder, or SAD) that sets in once the sun dips around 4pm, nights get longer, and temperatures get ridiculously colder.

An estimated 10 million Americans experience SAD. Plus, women are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than men. SAD can generally manifest in symptoms like having little to no energy for daily tasks, lost motivation for work or hobbies, trouble sleeping (and waking up), and weight gain.

Seasonal depression does not feel good – it’s impacted my relationships, quality of work, and physique – so this year, I decided to do something about it. As opposed to years prior, I came into ‘winter blues’ season with an intention to better my mindset, mental health, and physical wellbeing.

If you’re deep in the blues, too, I’m sharing 8 things I do regularly to feel like a real human being and combat seasonal depression, despite the bleakness of it all.

Meredith Holser

1. Get outside for at least 20 minutes everyday.

My seasonal depression is definitely perpetuated by my work setup – I work remotely full-time, which means a big chunk of my days are spent inside in isolation.

Knowing that being in nature can soothe the tension caused by not only locking in on work tasks for hours at a time, but sitting in the same place for just as long, I’ve been prioritizing getting outside for at least 20 minutes a day. Even just sipping in a breath of fresh air can provide a nice restart to a not-so-great day.

Whether it’s going for a walk, coffee run, or to let your dog out, getting outside for a change of scenery can absolutely improve your mental health.

Meredith Holser

2. Engage in exercise that feels good.

I’m lucky to have found a combination of workouts that feel good to my body and mind. Climbing, hot yoga, and outdoor walks have truly kept me sane this far in the season!

Exercising (of any kind) releases dopamine and serotonin, which arecommonly linked to treating depression. It can also improve neuroplasticity, learning, and memory in the long-term, which, to me, sounds like a win-win for everyone.

The key for committing to an exercise routine in the depths of seasonal depression (and beyond) is only engaging in workouts that bring you joy – exercise should not serve as punishment, nor does it have to be painful.

Meredith Holser

3. Delete social media when I know it’s impacting my mental health.

This one is huge. I could talk for hours – heck, even days – about how hurtful social media can be for my mental health. To make a long story short, social media (Instagram in particular) degrades my attention span, sense of reality, and self-confidence.

There was a period of time where I had screen time limits on apps like Instagram and TikTok, but I would override them 99% of the time. Now, I'm making an actual conscious effort to delete the apps off my phone entirely when I feel the doomscrolling has gone too far. It’s helped so much: I don’t feel a constant sense of FOMO (which is a massive challenge when 69% of adults use social media), pressure to buy unnecessary things, or distracted from the present moment.

Of course, I’ll still download the apps every once in a while to check in – there’s a delicate balance between wanting to feel simultaneously connected and disconnected – but the biggest part of this is maintaining the boundaries I set for myself.

If you feel like deleting social media apps cold-turkey isn’t quite the step you need to take at the moment, I suggest making use of screen time limits and sticking to them, so you can live and be present in your (real) life!

Meredith Holser

4. Prioritize seeing my friends in person.

As I mentioned, working from home is quite isolating. I know many of my friends feel isolated this time of year, even if they work in-person jobs. I don't have any family members that live very close to me, so my besties have truly become my chosen family.

Speaking from experience, having a friend group (or even just a golden best friend) to turn to in those quiet moments after the workday is the ultimate cure for loneliness, boredom, and depression. In fact,studies like this onehave shown that a positive sense of community is associated with reduced reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

So, gather your pals for a movie, craft night, potluck, or even just time to rot on the couch together. A lot of times, your friends may be feeling the exact same way you are.

Meredith Holser

5. Cook nourishing and rewarding meals.

Winter time is comfort👏 food👏 central👏, so there’s no excuse to not whip up a delectable soup or casserole fit for the season. Seasonal depression most certainly takes a toll on my executive function, though, so finding (or rather, making) the time and motivation to cook something for myself can be rough. Don’t even get me started on going to the grocery store.

That’s why I like to turn to recipes that yield big ol’ batches of food, so I can eat on leftovers for a week or so rather than cook something new every single day. Bonus points if the dish is healthy! Maybe the meal preppers are onto something…

You can find tons of delicious, easy, healthy, meal prep-friendly recipes here!

Meredith Holser

6. Be cognizant of my water intake.

As important as eating healthy is, it doesn’t mean much if you’re not hydrated. Drinking adequate amounts of water every day simply sets me right – I notice I have so much more energy than the days my water bottle’s not tied to my hip.

Experts recommend that women drink roughly 11 cups of water daily in order to benefit the body, from your immune system to your mood. I’ve been making the ritual even more enjoyable with a fun water bottle, customized with stickers and all.

Meredith Holser

7. Journal regularly.

Journaling can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hostility, as well as encourage self-awareness and resilience against the daily grind, which is why I aim to commit a tiny slice of my day to writing (or drawing). Even if there’s nothing “bad” or dramatic going on in my life, journaling about the mundane is super helpful in simply getting to know myself.

To incorporate journaling into your routine, I suggest writing right before bed, right before you wake up, or on a quick break during the day. Even just 5 minutes alone with your thoughts and your pen can transform your mindset.

You can find some really helpful journal prompts for improving your mental health here!

Meredith Holser

8. Go to therapy regularly.

Seeing a therapist on a regular basis has been a huge game-changer for me. When I started to go several years ago, I denounced therapy as a whole, but I started to really love it after a few months worth of sessions.

A good therapist can help you manage depression, stress, anxiety, and other mental health struggles, plus provide effective methods for self regulation, self awareness, communication, problem solving, and a whole lot more.

I’ve found my favorite part about therapy is having a third party to talk to about certain situations in my life – it’s been super beneficial when I want to talk through things I can’t (or don't necessarily want to) tell my close friends or family. Seeing a therapist regularly also helps me keep myself in check in terms of life, mental health, physical health, work, creative goals, and more.

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January 29, 2025, the Year of the Snake, kicks off the Lunar New Year — which is also the perfect time to feng shui your home. Feng shui is the ancient Chinese philosophy that teaches you how to arrange your space to create balance and tap into good energies. Lunar New Year happens during the first new moon of the year, making it the perfect time to refresh your home and prepare for new beginnings. I recently chatted with Laura Morris and Anjie Cho, renowned feng shui experts, founders of Mindful Design School, and authors of Mindful Living: A Guide to the Everyday Magic of Feng Shui about setting intentions and planting the seeds for growth in the year ahead. Here's what I learned during our session.

Scroll down for 5 easy ways to incorporate feng shui into your home in 2025!

Wallshoppe

1. Color Can Work In Your Favor

The colors you wear and use in your home are energetically connected to you and your own personal qi, or what is defined as your lifeforce energy. Black, navy and charcoal with a mix of whites and grays were particularly good colors for my zodiac animal (the rat), which is funny because my home is predominantly those colors.

While every zodiac animal has favorable colors, Cho and Morris discovered a combo of two colors to be the best colors for everyone in the Year of the Snake. "We think a vermillion persimmon color, a really fiery color that's connected to the wood snake, will be the best color for everyone for the Year of the Snake," says Cho. I happen to love this Persimmon Birds wallpaper by Nathan Turner and both Cho and Morris encouraged me to bring in this complementary color to all my blues and neutrals.

Of course, this doesn't mean you have to paint your space an orange or fiery red or buy a pricey sofa in that color. Maybe you always use a pen or notebook in that color or wear something in the vermillion persimmon family and start to notice how it makes you feel this year.

avery klein

2. Crystals Can Impact Your Goals

Apparently, I have a lot of water in my Chinese zodiac, which can mean I’m very creative and intuitive. The crystal that's connected to all that water is labradorite, which has a bluish, watery quality to it. It’s also said to be supportive of wisdom and intellect. "Water is considered an element with a lot of depth," says Cho. "When you think about the ocean, there's so much life happening underneath. Water is really a connector, a communicator, and with a lot of depth of wisdom." That's the kind of energy I'm cultivating? I'll take it!

Minh Pham

3. Know Your Bagua

Bagua in feng shui is like a grid or a mandala that you can overlay on your home. It can reveal obstacles and patterns in your home that you might want to unlock or rearrange. You place this grid over your bed or starting at your entry and it shows things like Abundance, Wisdom, Growth, etc. Morris and Cho overlayed the bagua over my bed and shared where I can place the labradorite to activate my career, communication and connection this year.

sander traa

Mindful Living offers five floor plans to teach you how to read your mandala's home layout.

Jonathan Borba

4. Plants Can Enhance Your Qi

Plant choice and placement can impact your home's qi too. For example, jade succulents are best placed in your Wisdom bagua area while the snake plant, which cuts through negative energy and signifies strength, is best placed in your Alignment area.

Peter Olexa

5. Timing Is Everything

There are auspicious hours/days/months and more challenging hours/days/months in the lunar new year. My best months are January, April, and August, while my challenging months are June and July. My best hours are 7AM to 9:00 AM to 3PM to 5:00 PM and 1AM to 3:00 AM, as well as a slew of days where I can make sure to align with important meetings, or plan an event, or even talk to someone about a difficult topic. I can be strategic with this time.

"My most challenging months are always the months that I overwork and I'm totally burnt out," says Cho. "So I look ahead and I definitely say no to the things that aren't the most important in those months."

Turns out, January 8th is a really great day for zodiac rats, so I'll be putting my labradorite stone underneath my bed then with the intention that I'm bringing in more wisdom, more resources, more support for my career and for my communication and connecting to others.

This is where your zodiac animal plays a part too. “Snakes have this magnetism and this charm and there's an attractive quality about them, but they're also really wise and thoughtful and clever, and that's actually a good thing for the rat,” says Morris. Those born in the year of the Tiger and Pig may find the 2025 lunar year more challenging, but that doesn't mean it's going to be a terrible year. (My challenging year is coming up in 2026, the Year of the Horse).

"It's not the year to push yourself," adds Cho. "It's the year to take care of yourself. It's the year to say no when you're going to be stretched thin. And it also reminds us you can't have your left side of your body without your right side of your body. There's a natural shift to things, and it reminds us there's times to be quieter. There's times to be more internal, and there's times where we'll have more challenges, but with the greatest challenge also comes the greatest rewards."

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Mindful Living: A Guide to the Everyday Magic of Feng Shui

Learn more about your monthly forecast for 2025 and mindful rituals to get you through the year in peace and harmony in Mindful Living: A Guide to the Everyday Magic of Feng Shui!

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New Year's Eve is drawing closer, which means it's finally time for all things sparkly, celebratory, and of course, boozy. Whether you're planning to go dancing with your squad for the night, or rather want to stay in watching all the cheesy TV specials, we have the perfect New Year's cocktails for you.

You can enjoy these New Year's Eve cocktail recipes for a pregame or a chilled-out home hang — the choice is yours! We know that not everyone wants to drop hundreds of dollars on overpriced bar drinks, which is exactly why these NYE drinks are perfect.

Craft one of these delicious drinks, create your own DIY confetti poppers, draw up a menu for an impressive charcuterie, and start planning the best New Year's Eve function. If you're not down for alcoholic drinks, we got you covered on tons of tasty mocktails to celebrate with.

47 New Year's Eve Cocktail Recipes We'll Be Sipping Into 2025

Prosecco Martini

Brit + Co

Let the deliciousness of this festive cocktail bubble over during your New Year's Eve celebrations. Vodka, lemon juice, and Prosecco come together for this can't-miss drink. (via Brit + Co)

Speak Now Spritz

Brit + Co

Toss together some plum liqueur, Prosecco, tonic water to craft this stunning New year's Eve cocktail. The cherry on top, of course, is adding the edible glitter for the glitz + glam factor! (via Brit + Co)

Spicy Fireball Winter Mule

Brit + Co

Delight guests with this New Year's Eve cocktail recipe that leverages a few of our favorite ingredients, like spicy Fireball whiskey and ginger beer. (via Brit + Co)

Lemon Drop

Brit + Co

To us, the ultimate Lemon Drop martini is equal parts sweet and sour, but you can play with the ratios in this recipe to reach your desired flavor balance. (via Brit + Co)

Butterscotch Bourbon Milk Punch 

Brit + Co

This creamy and boozy beverage will expand your holiday cocktail repertoire, and is the perfect drink to sip in front of a fireplace. It also includes a homemade butterscotch syrup recipe that'll please your sweet tooth cravings. Yum! (via Brit + Co)

Mocha Martini

Brit + Co

This New Year's Eve cocktail can thankfully double as a chocolate dessert to satiate all the sweet tooth-ers at your party. It's only four ingredients, so you won't be stuck at the bar all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Bananas Foster

Brit + Co

To make this totally NYE-ready drink, shake up 1.5 oz Eggo Brunch in a Jar Sippin’ Cream, 1 oz Banana Pudding Sippin' Cream, and 1.5 oz your milk of choice for a super creamy result. The best part about this recipe is you can whip it up post-New Year's, too, for an approachable brunch cocktail. (via Brit + Co)

Hot Toddy

Brit + Co

For the pals that tend to lean cold, a hot cocktail like this Hot Toddy will do wonderfully. This one only requires three entire ingredients for maximum sipping. (via Brit + Co)

Spicy Sweet Holiday Storm Cocktail

Half Baked Harvest

Drops of jalapeño honey keep this New Year's Eve drink interesting on the flavor side. Indulge in this complex, fizzy cocktail on those cold AF winter nights. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Negroni

The Endless Meal

You'll need Campari, gin, sweet vermouth and orange peels to craft this strong drink. Enjoy it slowly throughout the night to truly savor it! (via The Endless Meal)

Apple Cider Habanero

Dos Equis

This New Year's Eve cocktail is super juicy with a boozy finish. To make it, you'll first make your own infused habanero apple cider by soaking habanero peppers in a gallon of apple cider for up to 24 hours. Once that's done, stir 3 oz of the cider with .5 oz lime juice and 1 oz tequila reposado. Then, top everything off with Dos Equis Ambar Especialand some apple slices! (via Dos Equis)

Champagne Life

Photo by Madelynne Boykin / @BitesandBevsMedia

This sipper is crafted with gluten-free and vegan vodka, so you can serve it to your friends that may have different dietary needs. To make it, shake 1.5 oz YoCo vodka, .5 oz passion fruit syrup, and .5 oz lemon juice over ice, then strain into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. (via YoCo Vodka)

Manhattan Beach

Happenstance Whiskey

For the whiskey gals, this Manhattan Beach cocktail will be perfect for NYE. To make it, stir 2 oz Happenstance Bourbon, 1 oz Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, 3 drops of Angostura bitters, and 3 drops of orange bitters over ice. Garnish with a cherry and orange peel for an extra touch of elegance. (via Happenstance Whiskey)

Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Cocktail

Pizzazzerie

To guarantee that your guests are awake and wide-eyed when the ball drops, offering a hit of caffeine in cocktail form is as brilliant as it gets. (via Pizzazzerie)

Apple Cider Mimosa

The Endless Meal

Apple cider, bourbon and cinnamon notes swirl together in this amazing sip. (via The Endless Meal)

Frosted Mistletoe Margarita

Half Baked Harvest

Your guests won't be able to resist this delicious margarita recipe that gets a holiday twist. Not only does this drink look gorgeous topped with sugared cranberries, it tastes amazing, too. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Aperol Spritz

Culinary Hill

You can truly never go wrong with an Aperol Spritz. Though we love them for any occasion, this recipe is sure to be a big hit at your holiday parties. (via Culinary Hill)

Spiced Chai-tini

Chef Bai

Move aside, espresso martinis. We're simply swooning over this sweet chai cocktail! (via Chef Bai)

French Pear Martini

Freut Cake

This chic cocktail boasts sophistication. With chilled Champagne, pear vodka and elderflower liqueur, this effervescent drink will make it impossible to enjoy a classic dirty martini ever again. (via Freut Cake)

A Floral Affair

United Sodas of America

Pour half a glass of United Sodas Pear Elderflower, then add 1/4 glass vodka, 1/4 glass St. Germain, and garnish with a lemon twist! (via United Sodas of America)

Citrus Pomegranate Champagne Twist

Half Baked Harvest

Pomegranate and citrus notes couldn't be a better combo for celebrating the holidays and new year. Plus, we could never say no to the champagne! (viaHalf Baked Harvest)

Sparkling Pomegranate Cranberry Sangria

Justine Celina

Here you’ll find major inspo from wintry flavors, New Year’s Eve bubbly and Gatsby glam. This classy sangria offers fruity flavors and gingery notes — and the addition of Grand Marnier sends it right over the top. (via Justine Celina)

Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned

Half Baked Harvest

This boozy, spicy drink will warm you right up in the middle of winter. Try out this drink to practice your at-home bartending skills. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vanilla Plum Shrub

The Modern Proper

One swig of this concoction, and visions of vanilla plum shrubs will be dancing in your head. Though a shrub takes a little extra work to create, it’s totally worth it. (via The Modern Proper)

Cinnamon and Cranberry Bourbon Spritzers

Cooking and Beer

Cinnamon, cranberries and bourbon — oh my! With the addition of fizzy ginger ale, this cocktail recipe takes on a whole new level of flavor that will wow your guests and have them passing on the bubbly. (via Cooking and Beer)

Sparkling Cranberry-Orange Champagne Punch

Boulder Locavore

Champagne alone is the perfect way to bid a fancy farewell to the last year. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t jazz up that Champagne. Cranberry juice and Grand Marnier do just that in this ruby-hued beauty. (via Boulder Locavore)

Blood Orange Champagne Mule

Half Baked Harvest

Forget your classic Moscow mule, and try out this recipe made with blood oranges instead. This sip is light and refreshing, and sure to keep the party going. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The Last Word Cocktail

Pinch and Swirl

Fresh lime juice and a maraschino liqueur are blended together to create some seriously bright flavors in this potent elixir. You’ll want to go easy on this cocktail, but if you can’t get enough of that awesome flavor, the amount of alcohol can be reduced. You’ll thank yourself in the morning. (via Pinch and Swirl)

Roasted Cranberry Gin Cocktail

Signature Concoctions

Kicking off the new year has never been better with this cranberry-forward New Year's Eve cocktail. Roasted cranberries add tons of depth to its flavor. (via Signature Concoctions)

Kir Royale

Culinary Hill

This unique cocktail leverages blackcurrant liquor and champagne. Super easy to pour for every guest! (via Culinary Hill)

Perfect Manhattan Cocktail

A Spicy Perspective

This ever-so-boozy sipper will is the perfect pick for a classy night in on NYE. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Coconut Vanilla Mint Lemon Drop

Chef Bai

Take this deliciously fresh mocktail recipe to the party by adding your alcohol of choice. (via Chef Bai)

Persimmon Cocktail

Salt & Lavender

This cocktail, perfect for New Year's celebrations, comes together with just four ingredients. Bet your friends have never tried this one! (via Salt & Lavender)

Rosemary 75 Champagne Cocktail

Goodie Godmother

Thrill your guests with this magical cocktail that changes color right before your very eyes! Gin and sparkling wine pair wonderfully, and welcome the addition of rosemary for a unique and herbaceous flair. (via Goodie Godmother)

Vanilla, Pepper and Thyme Martini

What Should I Make For...

Black and pink peppercorns kick this dazzling cocktail up a few notches, making it an awesome contender for your NYE party. If you want to impress your guests, this awe-inspiring cocktail is the way to go. (via What Should I Make For…)

St. Germain Kumquat Cocktail

Talia Bunting

This low-cal drink is full of citrusy flavor and is incredibly refreshing. Fresh kumquats are joined by elderflower liqueur to create a blend that is classy and downright delish. (via Talia Bunting)

Green Chartreuse and Pear Brandy Cocktail

House of Hipsters

This pretty-in-pink cocktail possesses an old-school feel with a modern spin. Notes of pear will liven up your tastebuds along with citrus and bitters. This may look like a dainty drink at first glance, but it’s a potent one — so sit back and sip easy. (via House of Hipsters)

Classic Moscow Mule

Culinary Hill

The freshness of a classic Moscow mule cocktail will keep NYE guests sipping all night long. (via Culinary Hill)

Cranberry Moscow Mule with Homemade Cranberry Simple Syrup

Boulder Locavore

Throw a splash of holiday cheer into the traditional Moscow mule with cranberries. If you’re afraid to mess with a good thing, worry not — this baby is still fizzy and it will still warm your heart with its gingery spice. (via Boulder Locavore)

Pomegranate Cranberry Champagne Punch

Chef Savvy

When you think of holiday fruits, pomegranate and cranberries are the first that come to mind — and that’s why you need this festive punch in your life this holiday season! Pop the Champagne and pour it over a fresh cranberry reduction and pomegranate juice for the perfect boozy refreshment. (via Chef Savvy)

Cranberry Whiskey Sour

Cilantro Parsley

Indulge in even more seasonal flavors with a tart cranberry sour that's sure to please the party. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Sprinkletini

Salt & Lavender

NYE is all about the glitz and glam, and this cocktail doesn't disappoint in that department. (via Salt & Lavender)

Spicy Tequila Soda

Cilantro Parsley

This feels like a vacation in a drink, transporting you past the wintery vibes of New Year's and straight to summer. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Lemonade Sangria

Amanda Wilens

For a super simple cocktail that tastes light and refreshing, this lemonade sangria can't be beaten. (via Amanda Wilens)

Dirty Shirley

Culinary Hill

This is a fun grown-up version of the classic drink you loved to order as a kid! (via Culinary Hill)

Peach Bellinis

Barley & Sage

This fruity New Year's Eve cocktail tastes like a peaches and cream cupcake in a drink. Who wouldn't want that to ring in the new year? (via Barley & Sage)

Pomegranate & Persimmon Winter Sangria

Salt & Lavender

This refreshing punch is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. (via Salt & Lavender)

Follow us on Pinterest for more festive + classy New Year’s recipes!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations. This post has been updated.