Unconsciously, the May Day holiday is already coming to an end ( ^_^ )/~~ But does it feel like your “soul is still on vacation”? Returning to your desk is like “being forced to reboot”, and you might even feel an inexplicable resistance to work—that’s the classic “post-holiday syndrome.”
Post-Holiday Syndrome
“Post-Holiday Syndrome” is a common psychological phenomenon that typically occurs in the days following a long vacation. Its main symptoms include physical fatigue, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and even reduced work efficiency and loss of appetite.
Holiday Anxiety
“Holiday Anxiety”, on the other hand, refers to the sense of worry and unease that creeps in even before the vacation ends—dreading the mountain of pending work, social complexities, and other stressors awaiting post-break.
Though different on the surface, both syndromes stem from our mind-body adjustment processes.
So how can we effectively cope with Post-Holiday Syndrome and Holiday Anxiety? The first step is to recognize, accept, and healthily release these emotions.
1. Mental Wellness & Stress Relief
Boost Your Mood with Positive Thinking: Try encouraging yourself with “Back from break? Time to start fresh! Checking off tasks will feel great” or “I can handle whatever comes my way.” These uplifting thoughts build confidence and ease post-holiday worries.
Mastering Relaxation: When anxiety strikes, try techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or music listening. Deep breathing calms the body and eases tension; Meditation quiets the mind and sharpens focus; Music listening regulates emotions and alleviates stress.
2. Plan Development & Work Breakdown
Don’t be overwhelmed by the mountain of post-holiday work. Start by creating a structured action plan—break tasks into smaller, manageable goals and tackle them step by step. This approach reduces stress while boosting productivity.
3. Moderate Exercise & Physical Function Enhancement
Engaging in moderate physical activity is a effective method to alleviate “post-holiday symptom”. Choose preferred exercises like jogging, swimming, or rope skipping. Such activities not only strengthen immune function but also trigger endorphin release, generating a sense of well-being while reducing fatigue and anxiety.
4. Social Support & Emotional Sharing
Connecting with family, friends, or colleagues to share your post-holiday experiences serves as another effective coping strategy. They can provide you with emotional support and practical advice, alleviating feelings of isolation. Meanwhile, communication with others can also divert attention and reduce anxiety.
Expert Commentary
While “post-holiday syndrome” and “holiday anxiety” are common psychological phenomena, they are absolutely manageable. By understanding their mechanisms and applying science-backed strategies, we can successfully navigate this transition. Let’s proactively address these challenges and embrace returning to work with renewed energy and positivity.
Contributed by | Zheng Huining, Psychology Outpatient Department
Edited by | Huang Fei