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How to get over the holiday blues

Dubai - Psychologists say feelings of under-engagement at work, listlessness and daydreaming about the holiday are symptoms office-goers are likely to experience.

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Many people find it difficult to get back to work after lengthy vacations.
While many may find it worrying that they cannot up their productivity levels in office after the holidays, psychologists say feelings of under-engagement at work, listlessness and daydreaming about the holiday are symptoms office-goers are likely to experience.
Dr Thoraiya Kanafani, clinical psychologist at Human Relations Institute and Clinics in Dubai, said people most commonly compare their current living environment and lifestyle with their holiday lifestyle, which leads to feelings of disappointment, decreased motivation and lack of attention at work.
"Some individuals find it difficult to go back to work after their holiday because of factors like jet-lag, sleep difficulties, a change in weather, and irregular eating patterns," said Kanafani. "Additionally, at times, when people travel and reunite with their families, leaving them and coming back to their daily lifestyle leads to sadness and longing for the family."
A break from the routine gives a different perspective on current life and daily routine. Kanafani said while people often experience the "slump", which is a downward emotional feeling due to the decrease in excitement when shifting from a holiday hype to a routine life, it is, however, a restoration of one's emotional level to where it was before the vacation. 
To have a smooth transition from the holidays to work, Kanafani said it is important for people to give themselves something to look forward to each day when they come back from their holiday.
"Adding a pleasurable activity during their free time in their daily routine is extremely helpful. It is beneficial to set up realistic goals that can be achieved daily to help add some change to their routine," she said.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

Tips to beat the post-holiday low energy: > Try unpacking as soon as you get back home so you can experience your trip again in a different way - seeing things you bought, looking at clothes you wore, etc > Once you have unpacked, use this opportunity to de-clutter your house and space - "spring cleaning". This helps give a feeling of starting off new > Spend time outdoors, especially if you are flying back from a different time zone. This helps with the experience of jet-lag > Spending time in the sun at healthy hours gives your body a slight increase in serotonin which impacts your mood > Eat a healthy, balanced diet and engage in physical activity  > Reflect on your trip and try to identify what was it that you enjoyed about your holiday so that you can replicate that experience in a different way in your daily routine.

 

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