What you can do to beat holiday blues
IF YOU are struggling to get back into work mode this month, fear not, the post-holiday blues is something that can be conquered with a little preparation and some soul searching.
Many of us are only just getting back into a routine of early morning starts and tedious commutes after weeks of carefree days over Christmas and New Year.
But psychologist Nia Barnes said how severe and how long the anti-work sentiment lasted after returning to work could be easily controlled.
“There definitely is such a thing as the post-holiday blues. On the one hand it may just be that we’re struggling to readjust to the responsibilities of work, early to bed, early to rise, being accountable during the day and missing the feeling of relaxation and being carefree,” she said.
“How long it lasts depends on our mindset and whether or not we try to keep some of the holiday spirit alive.
“Establishing and maintaining healthy morning and evening routines assists the process of adjustment. It’s a little like being on a swing. It takes a bit of effort to get ourselves moving but in no time momentum makes the whole experience easier and more enjoyable.”
But Ms Barnes warned post-holiday blues that do not go away could signal a reevaluation of our work roles or industry was needed.
“Sometimes certain situations are the cause of this dread in which case a plan to address the issues will ease the discomfort,” she said.
“If, however, we don’t enjoy or value what we are doing we end up resenting having to go in each day.
“If, this is the case, then establishing a plan on how we might work toward getting our dream job can help us get through the time it takes to achieve this.
“Knowing that we are working toward something better lifts our mood.
“Taking charge and establishing healthy routines and reframing negative thoughts gives us a sense of control over our lives and will help us reach our goal more quickly and smoothly than focusing on how much we hate going to work.
“Nothing is worse than feeling trapped and having no way out.”
Personal trainer Aleece Beveridge said exercise was a habit she kept up even through holidays to help her adjust to changes in routines.
“I don’t find it a chore now, it’s second nature to me,” she said.
“I also try to make other things a habit like waking up and going to sleep at the same time and not drinking too much on the weekend.”
TAKING CHARGE AND ESTABLISHING HEALTHY ROUTINES AND REFRAMING NEGATIVE THOUGHTS GIVES US A SENSE OF CONTROL OVER OUR LIVES AND WILL HELP US REACH OUR GOAL PSYCHOLOGIST NIA BARNES