After an extended vacation, many employees return to work feeling drained rather than refreshed. This is commonly described as post-holiday mood dip, a shift in daily routine that can lower adrenaline and energy levels. A clinical psychologist working in a private clinic described these dynamics to social media reporters, noting that the first step toward recovery is restoring a healthy daily rhythm.
Returning to healthy routines starts with solid basics: eat well, prioritize sufficient sleep, and engage in some form of physical activity at least three times per week. This trio supports hormonal balance, improves mood and energy, and strengthens immune function. Gradually ramp up work tasks rather than diving into heavy workloads right away. Beginning with lighter, shorter tasks helps the brain ease back into productivity and reduces the risk of cognitive overload. In practical terms, this means easing back into the work schedule and letting the brain adapt without sudden stress.
The psychologist recommended a creative break pattern to stimulate imagination and sustain enthusiasm for daily tasks. Simple pleasures such as reading a paper book, solving a puzzle, or drawing during breaks can rekindle engagement and prevent mental fatigue from taking hold.
To rebuild cognitive stamina, incorporate light mental challenges at work. Playing chess or other logic games, tackling crosswords, and writing brief articles on abstract topics can sharpen thinking and ease the transition back to routine after time off. A common classroom exercise such as describing how a summer was spent can illustrate the return to study rhythm after an extended break. Regularly performing these activities keeps the mind agile and makes it easier to resume work after holidays.
In addition to daily habits, creating a practical work plan for the coming weeks is advised. The plan should identify tasks that are urgent and important as well as those that can be delegated. Tackle the most demanding tasks in the morning when energy is highest, and reserve lighter duties for the afternoon. If fatigue returns, giving oneself permission to rest and resume duties later can help restore strength and maintain steady progress rather than forcing a burst of work that feels unsustainable.
The guidance also emphasizes a return to routine through structured activity rather than abrupt shifts, and it highlights the value of pacing, breaks, and cognitive exercises to support a smoother reintegration into work after extended time away.
There is a note of caution about relying on outdated beliefs from past medical advice, stressing the importance of updating routines to reflect current evidence about healthy aging and long-term wellbeing.