Post-Holiday Blues: Easing Back Into Work After a Break
After a much-needed break, returning to work can bring a surprising mix of emotions. While the time off may have provided rest, reconnection, or adventure, stepping back into emails, meetings, and routines can feel overwhelming.
This transition, often referred to as the “post-holiday blues,” is more than just reluctance. It can involve real psychological adjustment, particularly when the contrast between rest and responsibility feels stark.
Why the Post-Holiday Dip Happens
Psychologically, holidays provide a temporary release from daily stressors. They shift our environment, our obligations, and often our sense of identity. When we return, it’s not just about catching up on work, it’s about recalibrating emotionally and mentally.
You may notice:
- Low mood or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physical fatigue despite having rested
- A feeling of dread or anxiety about upcoming responsibilities
Loss of motivation or interest in work you usually enjoy.
These feelings are common and valid, especially in high-pressure environments like Dubai where work culture often prioritises productivity over wellbeing.
Coping Strategies From a Therapist’s Perspective
As a therapist in Dubai, I often support clients in navigating this kind of transition. Returning to structure does not have to mean abandoning the calm or clarity you may have felt on holiday. A few strategies that can ease the adjustment include:
- Pacing your return: Avoid overloading your schedule in the first week back. Prioritise essential tasks and give yourself time to reorient.
- Reintroducing routine gradually: Consistent sleep, regular meals, and movement can help stabilise mood and energy.
- Identifying small joys at work: Shifting focus to the aspects of your job that feel meaningful can improve emotional engagement.
- Staying connected to what restored you: Whether it was nature, family, or quiet time, try to bring a piece of that experience into your week.
When It Feels Like More Than Just a Dip
For some people, the return to work after a break can highlight deeper dissatisfaction, chronic stress, or symptoms of anxiety or burnout. If feelings of dread, disconnection, or exhaustion persist, therapy may offer an opportunity to explore what’s happening beneath the surface.
Working with a psychologist near you can help clarify whether these feelings are situational or part of a longer-term pattern and how to respond with care, not just coping.
In Summary
The end of a holiday does not need to mean the end of calm, balance, or perspective. With intention and support, it’s possible to return to work feeling grounded, not just overwhelmed. If you’re struggling to adjust or noticing signs of stress that feel hard to manage, a therapist in Dubai can help you process what you’re experiencing and guide you toward greater emotional wellbeing.
At Valens Clinic, we support professionals, parents, and individuals navigating transitions including the often-overlooked return from holiday with empathy and evidence-based care.