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If, a week ago at this time, everyone was busy preparing to welcome the new year and enjoy the long holiday, then from today onwards, they must be mentally preparing to return to normal life, to work and the tasks that need to be done.
One might think a holiday would provide a sense of rest and rejuvenation, but in reality, returning to the office after a break is never easy. Regret over missed fun, fear of a heavy workload after the Lunar New Year, or lingering dreams of holiday plans are just some of the reasons why people struggle to get back into their old routines. This situation is even known as "post-holiday syndrome."
Post-holiday syndrome - A nightmare for office workers.
"Post-holiday syndrome" refers to the feeling of lethargy and fatigue that occurs after a holiday. While the body experiences high levels of the feel-good hormone dopamine before and during a holiday, dopamine levels drop sharply upon returning to normal, requiring initial adjustment. This is a natural reaction that almost everyone experiences. The main symptoms of "post-holiday syndrome" typically include low energy, insomnia, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and anxiety.
"Post-holiday syndrome" affects work performance.
Typically, "post-holiday syndrome" lasts only a few days and disappears once our bodies and minds adjust to their previous routines. However, in many cases, the adjustment process can take longer, up to several weeks. If prolonged, this condition can reduce productivity and even lead to more serious psychological problems.
How to get back to work smoothly?
Plan
A common mindset many people experience a few days before a holiday is to "unwind," also known as "letting off work." When in this state, people are overwhelmed by excitement, making it difficult to concentrate on work. Instead, they think they can leave work until after the holiday and tackle it all at once. However, this inadvertently leads to a backlog of work, causing even more stress afterward.
Plan your work before returning to the office.
To avoid this situation, you can take advantage of the time at the office during the period leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), or dedicate the day before returning to work to organize your tasks and prioritize them. This way, when you return to work, you won't be bogged down by a jumble of disorganized tasks, unsure where to begin. Instead, a well-organized and efficient to-do list will be ready, and all you have to do is get started.
Linh Chi, who currently works in an office in Hanoi, chose to take advantage of the Tet holiday to gradually tackle simple tasks.
“Because of the long Tet holiday, I have a lot of free time and not much to do, so I occasionally try to cut back on some work. Many people might think this makes the rest time less fulfilling, but personally, I'm comfortable with it. I choose simple tasks that don't take too much time to complete, which also helps me feel less busy when I return to the office after the Tet holiday,” Linh Chi shared.
Linh Chi spent part of her Tet holiday taking care of simple tasks (Photo: Provided by the interviewee).
Create an inspiring work environment.
Beyond just work, keeping your desk clean and tidy is an effective way to boost your motivation to return to work. No one wants to start the new year in a cluttered space filled with papers. So, if you didn't manage to organize before Tet (Lunar New Year), take some time to tidy up your desk on your first day back at work as a gentle start to a productive workday.
If possible, buy some decorative items or add a few plants to your desk. This will bring a fresh, cheerful feeling and make it easier to get back into the swing of things at work.
Take breaks at work.
Nothing is more exhausting than the first day back at the office after a vacation and being overwhelmed with work. The more stressed you are, the lower your productivity becomes, leading to a series of days of low morale.
Socializing with colleagues on the first day of spring.
Therefore, unless you have extremely urgent tasks, start with lighter assignments and intersperse them with short breaks to relax with colleagues. Chatting about your vacations, having a snack, or making a nice cup of coffee can make your workday feel more relaxed. In the following days, you can gradually increase your workload to tackle any remaining tasks. This is also a way to train your mind to get used to the old work rhythm.
Thuy Linh, an office worker in Hanoi, shared: “Almost every year, the first day after the holiday is when people come to socialize, exchange New Year greetings, and chat with each other. The work is generally relaxed and simple, so I feel less stressed.”
Physical and mental care
During the Lunar New Year holiday, many young people allow themselves more freedom in their daily routines, such as staying up later, waking up later, and having more flexible meal times. However, when the holiday ends, you need to gradually adjust your habits to return to your old routine if you don't want to exhaust your energy.
A good night's sleep gives you more energy.
A good, deep sleep is crucial for maintaining alertness and focus throughout the workday. Going to bed early and relaxing before bed will improve sleep quality, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and energized. Additionally, treating yourself to your favorite breakfast at home, or having breakfast with colleagues, is a great way to start the workday feeling cheerful and inspired.
Returning to work after a long holiday is like waking up from a beautiful dream. You might still feel a little nostalgic for the time you've spent relaxing and having fun; but with a few tips above, returning to the office will be smoother, more enjoyable, and more energizing, ready for a productive new year.
