When we’re disconnected, it can feel daunting to get back to deadlines, meetings, and never-ending to-do lists.
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Release Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 6am
Feeling down after returning from a refreshing holiday? When returning from summer vacation, some residents have a hard time re-adjusting to their work routine and experience a phenomenon known as return anxiety.
Medical experts say the condition, which is characterised by a feeling of reluctance or difficulty returning to work after holidays, is becoming more common as more people prioritise leisure and time off to cope with the stresses of modern life.
Psychologists say that return-to-work anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, including restlessness, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and even mild depression. The sudden transition from a relaxed, stress-free holiday environment to the demands of the workplace can be daunting, resulting in a prolonged adjustment period that can significantly impact your productivity and overall well-being.
If you can relate to this, you’re not alone.
“Struggling to readjust”
Abdullah, 35, who works in the government sector in Abu Dhabi, recently returned from a 10-day holiday in Moscow. “The trip was full of cultural exploration, relaxation and quality time with family. However, upon returning, I found myself struggling to readjust to work life. I spoke to my office counselor, who suggested I take two more days off and work from home,” he said.
“After returning, I noticed a lack of motivation, lack of focus, restlessness and discomfort. Even small tasks at the office felt like an increased workload,” he added.
“It’s hard to regain focus.”
Similarly, Ahmed Najeeb, an Indian engineer working in Dubai, recently returned from a 10-day visit to his hometown Mangalore to spend some quality time with his family during the summer holidays. “The joy of reuniting with loved ones, the comfort of familiar surroundings and a break from the usual routine brought me much-needed relaxation and happiness,” said Najeeb.
But upon returning to Dubai on July 19, Najeeb began feeling anxious about returning home. “The transition from the warm and loving environment of my hometown to the fast-paced, demanding life in Dubai has been difficult. I have been feeling constantly restless and struggling to concentrate at work,” he said.
“Anxiety about re-entering the country is normal.”
According to medical experts, it’s common for employees to feel stressed or anxious when returning to work after vacation. Humans naturally find comfort in the familiar, and being away from work can become the “new normal.” Once away from work, it can feel daunting to jump back into deadlines, meetings, and never-ending to-do lists.
Dr Bino Mary Chacko, specialist psychiatrist at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said holidays are a time when people are in relaxation mode and not bothered by meeting deadlines and following schedules. “Vacations are essential for mental and physical recovery. However, it is common for people to feel anxious when returning to their daily lives after holidays. People often think about work, meetings, assignments and achieving goals. The transition from holiday mode to work mode is not always easy,” said Dr Chacko.
Healthcare experts say planning these transitions in advance is essential to ensure you know what to expect and make the transition smooth. “In fact, the more time that passes, the more anxious you’ll be about going back to normal,” says Dana Berri, CDA-certified psychologist at Aman Lil Afia Clinic in Dubai.
“Many people struggle with waking up early or regulating their sleep cycles. You may find it difficult to focus at work and manage your responsibilities efficiently. You may have overwhelming thoughts like, ‘I can’t do this,’ or ‘I forget what it was like to manage my responsibilities,'” says Berry. “You may also experience feelings of lack of motivation and physical symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, sweating and difficulty concentrating. As a result, you may fall into a vicious cycle of taking on more work to compensate for feeling overwhelmed, procrastinating and blaming yourself for not being productive.”
Anxiety is temporary
Dr Chacko said anxiety about returning to work is normal. “Post-vacation syndrome is temporary and everyone gets over it eventually. But usually, you can adjust to the work environment within a few days.”
Feeling anxious about returning to work after a break is common, so psychologist Belli offers a few steps to help you plan and prepare emotionally:
Set realistic expectations and create a concrete to-do list. Start with easy tasks to give you a sense of accomplishment. Follow a routine. Set specific times for eating, checking emails, managing meetings and set small achievable goals. Take short breaks for a walk or meditation. Prioritize self-care and look after your physical and mental health. Set clear boundaries on your workload and take on tasks that you can manage without overloading yourself.
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