Going back to work after the holidays can be tough
On the one hand, all
that shopping, gift wrapping, cooking and cleaning can really tire a person
out. On the other, the late-night partying, afternoon wake up calls and extra freedom
can also take its toll on one’s sleep cycle.
So
once that wind down begins, some find it challenging to readjust to their old
routines again.
It’s
become such a phenomenon that researchers call it “post-holiday syndrome” – a
term to describe that general feeling of discomfort people get when they’re
unable to adapt to work after the holidays, according to studies.
So
what can you do to beat the post-holiday blues?
Here’s
a look at life after the holidays and what you can do to make sure your transition
back to work is a smooth one.
What to expect
For those lucky
enough to have time off during the holidays, the whole idea is to disconnect
from work. So when it comes to getting back to the grind, the transition can be
a slow process.
People are not at their
peak after the holidays and so Going back is really a psychological thing
sometimes and just thinking of going back to the routine and responsibilities
of work can make one really sluggish about it.
And while the
back-to-work transition may not have any effect on some, it could have a
greater impact on others – even physically.
According to studies,
tiredness, lack of appetite and concentration, drowsiness or sleeplessness, and
muscular aches are just some of the physical effects people can experience.
Psychological symptoms include irritability, anxiety, sadness,
couldn’t-care-less attitude, and feelings of emptiness.It’s a disruption to
both your physical and mental routine. More people tend to be tired at the end
of the day after their first few days back. Their brains are on a different
speed, they tend to process things more slowly and have gotten used to not
thinking at lightning speed. It’s jarring, overwhelming and it can be a little
depressing even.
Back-to-work
survival guide
To help you ease back
into the swing of things, here are several tips that will make your transition
a little smoother:
Take it all in
stride: Disconnect from work
during the holidays and when you go back to work, take things really slow until
you reconnect again. Take small breaks by going for a short walk outside – the
fresh air helps.
Don’t single
yourself out: Remember that
everyone else is in the same boat as you, so don’t think you’re the only one
who feels overwhelmed.
Prepare before the
holidays: If it isn’t too much
to handle, try to work ahead before taking time off. That way, when you come
back to work, you have less on your plate and feel less stressed.
Set goals and
realistic expectations: If
you didn’t accomplish something throughout the previous year, set it as a goal
for the year ahead. Don’t get discouraged and keep pushing yourself when it
comes to career development.
Speak up: If someone approaches you with a project
you’re not ready for, be honest with them and let them know if you feel that
you can handle it at that moment. If not, ask them to discuss this at a later
time and follow through.
Ask for help: Be realistic on how much you can handle.
Don’t be afraid to approach someone if you feel you need help. For instance,
you could talk with your manager and seek guidance and come up with a plan
accordingly.
-Agencies
