The period after the holidays has the potential to be very stressful. This feeling is commonly referred to as post-holiday blues. Some of the main symptoms include insomnia, low energy, moodiness, lack of concentration, and anxiety. Post-holiday syndrome can be described as the result of a sudden release of stress hormones following a major event, such as a wedding or the holiday season. This means it can be challenging to return to "normal" life once all the excitement has ended.

How to Find Balance?

Don’t Forget to Rest!
Do you feel unmotivated and overly tired now that the holidays are over? That’s completely normal. Everything associated with the holidays can be emotionally and physically exhausting, making it harder to maintain a normal routine, especially when it comes to sleep.

Even if you think you slept enough during the holidays, you may still feel tired. Whatever your normal routine is, try going to bed 30 minutes earlier. Extra rest will help your body and mind, making it easier to get back to normal. The longer winter nights certainly make this tip easier to follow!

Continue or Start an Exercise Routine
Our commitment to fitness routines often wanes during the busy holiday season—and that’s okay! If you took a break or haven’t been regularly engaging in physical activity, now is the perfect time to start. Exercise can be a great way to release stress and cope with any lingering post-holiday tension.

Healthy Eating
It’s fine if you indulged in holiday meals—that’s part of the fun! But once the season is over, it’s time to return to a healthier lifestyle. Nourish your body with vitamin- and fiber-rich foods. Reduce meat consumption and increase your intake of seasonal fruits and vegetables to avoid feeling sluggish and heavy.

Daily sweets during the holidays might have made your body crave sugar, and cutting back could make you feel uneasy at first. Start reducing sugar intake as soon as possible, and you’ll quickly notice the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Preparing healthy meals doesn’t have to be an additional stressor if you plan and set aside time for cooking.

Returning to Work

Research shows that 87% of people admit to feeling uneasy about returning to work after the holiday break. Here are some of the main reasons behind this:

  • Returning to a routine – 37%
  • Catching up on pending tasks – 31%
  • Fast-paced work environment – 27%
  • Overflowing inbox – 26%

Post-holiday blues can be alleviated by following some specific tips:

  • Use your last days off to create a new strategy, organize an action plan, and prioritize tasks.
  • A fresh planner with a blank calendar will give you a sense of a fresh start for the new year.
  • Organize your email inbox and delete unnecessary ads and spam.
  • Communication with colleagues is crucial. Talking about the holidays, experiences, and anecdotes helps reduce stress and makes the first week back more bearable.

Good luck and approach your upcoming exams with renewed energy!