THEit starts at least a couple of days before, and is capable of reversing the mood and the benefits of the holiday period, such as that of the Christmas holidays. «Americans call it post vacation or holiday blues, that mix of sadness and bewilderment that arises when after a period of stoppage one has to return to the daily routine», he explains Maria Antonietta Gulino, president of the Order of Psychologists of Tuscany. “We are not talking about an officially recognized pathology, but these are increasingly widespread psychological conditions”, adds the psychologist who has illustrated to AdnKronos suggests 5 rules to restart work and commitment with more serenity.
Return stress, why does it happen?
We’ve all tried it. In summer, a few days before the end of the holidays, and in winter when it’s time to remove the decorations in the house and turn off the lights. Placing the Christmas tree and decorations in a box is a physical gesture that represents the end of the light-heartedness, play and not “thinking about anything” that has characterized the last period.
“Returning to work after the Christmas holidays is a source of stress for many and this discomfort can affect anyone”, continues the expert. «The holidays, after all, represent a period in which time is suspended and, with it, problems, deadlines, waking up to go to work, sometimes difficult relationships in work contexts».
Who is most affected by return stress
«And the more holidays are configured as an oasis of relaxation, the more difficult the return to everyday reality risks being to face.
This dynamic – specifies Gulino – has a greater impact on those who already suffer from psychological distress, as in the cases of depression or low self-esteemand on those individuals who are going through difficult moments on an interpersonal level, both in the private sphere and at work”.
The 5 rules for starting again lightly
«Giving ourselves a series of rules to best deal with the restart is therefore fundamental.
1. Stay away from the ‘switch effect’
The first is to avoid the “switch effect”, recommends the psychologist. «You can’t think of suddenly turning off the relief of holidays and immediately immersing yourself in the previous reality, made up of fast pace, often important workloads, trips in traffic, timetables that have to be respected to the minute and potential friction with the surrounding people .
Better, for those who can, to start returning to work gradually, perhaps starting again with a half day or even a full day, but close to the weekend”.
2. Gradually resume old habits
The second piece of advice, continues the president of the Tuscan psychologists, is «not to completely interrupt the good habits adopted on holiday, when the times were more extended: hobbies, sports, reading, music, friends, cinema and anything else for which we have given more space, more freedom of choice, they must not be suddenly eliminated.”
The stress of returning to work can be combated by following some simple but effective advice from the psychologist (Getty Images)
3. Take care of your diet
«The third precaution – continues Gulino – concerns nutrition: during the holidays we tend to overindulge, but when everyday life starts again we must be careful to take care of it with greater attention. Mind and body influence each other.”
4. Manage sleep well against stress
“In the same way, it is essential to manage sleep well: the rhythms of holidays have led us to sleep more or differently and the lack of rest can accentuate the sense of discomfort and tiredness.”
5. Hang out with friends
«The last piece of advice, no less important – concludes the expert – is to keep as solid as possible the relationships that we managed to cultivate more during the holiday period, in terms of friendships, family and feelings, because they are fundamental energies throughout the ‘year”.
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