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Many individuals in Russia feel pressure to return to work after the New Year holidays. A large survey conducted by SuperJob, reported by Kommersant, sheds light on how workers cope with the postholiday transition and what this moment means for daily life in the weeks after the holidays. The findings indicate that stress tied to resuming work affects a broad slice of the workforce rather than a single group.

What stands out in the data is that stress related to going back to the office arises for more than one in three employees. Yet there is a clear difference among workers: those who genuinely enjoy their profession tend to return with less tension and settle into their routines more smoothly. A strong sense of purpose appears to act as a buffer against postholiday strain, helping some people reclaim their responsibilities with greater ease.

Beyond this, the research reveals a variety of responses to the return. About 23 percent of workers do not actively try to reduce the stress associated with resuming duties after vacation. In contrast, roughly 7 percent dive into tasks from day one, while 5 percent turn to self-hypnosis and meditation as coping tools. Sleep and physical activity also play a role, with around 3 percent choosing extra rest or regular exercise to ease the transition.

In the survey, approximately 1,600 working citizens participated, offering a snapshot of how people across different sectors experience this return moment. The report notes that it does not specify exact holiday dates, but the timing clearly influences the level of stress and the strategies people adopt to manage it.

Earlier discussions from psychologists offered guidance on creating a festive mood before celebrations and lowering stress in the run-up to holidays. The idea is to approach time off with a plan to unwind while keeping workplace responsibilities in view, helping people step away from tension and reenter routines with greater balance.

Public discourse around leadership and duty has also touched on how high-profile figures handle stress. In December, it was pointed out that a strong sense of duty can help leaders cope with pressure, providing a model for managing strain through commitment and deliberate routines. Psychologists have noted that stress can have constructive aspects when managed well and redirected into motivation and focus rather than anxiety and burnout.

Taken together, conversations about postholiday stress emphasize that returning to work is not only a logistical shift but also a social and emotional transition. With awareness and supportive practices, workers can navigate the period after holidays with resilience, maintaining productivity while protecting well-being and sustaining a positive relationship with their tasks and teams.