After the end of the year festivities and the first holiday of 2025, thousands of Colombians are getting ready to resume their routine at work, which although it is part of the daily life of those who have a job, it is not an easy task afterwards. of several days in which professional obligations and commitments took a backseat.
Although for some this does not cause major setbacks, there are those who suffer from what experts describe as post-vacation syndrome, an illness that can lead to depression and unnecessary stress if it is not controlled and in some cases requires the support of a professional. of health to avoid complications.
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Not in vain the World Health Organization (WHO)details in its figures that work depression produces losses in productivity of up to US$1 billion each year and warns that it is a disease that increases by about 20% with entry to work after the holidays in December and the beginning of the year.
Likewise, Psychology academics from the University of San Buenaventura maintain that getting up early, following a schedule and returning to routine can cause sudden changes in people’s mood that increase depression (35%), anxiety ( 25%), stress (22%) and mental exhaustion (18%).
Work stress.
Edwin Oliveros, professor at this university, warns that this is not a minor issue, since currently 15% of adults of working age suffer from some mental disorder, according to the WHO, while the National Institute of Health (INS) in Colombia, warns that currently, between 1.5 and 3 million people work while living with this difficulty.
“These symptoms are known as Post-Vacation Syndrome, which generates a feeling of extreme tiredness or discomfort when returning to work. This phenomenon can have an impact not only physically, but also emotionally, which manifests itself in constant lack of motivation, permanent bad temper and persistent irritability. However, these emotions tend to progressively decrease as people return to their daily routine,” the teacher said.
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Seven tips
Based on everything mentioned, Professor Oliveros said that there is seven recommendations that can be followed so that this evil does not become a nightmare, which range from the management of emotions to the search for greater well-being.
“First of all, clear planning must be made to return to the office. For this, it is advisable to write the tasks of the first weeks on a sheet or agenda, and also organize time and activities to make the return much more effective and have better control over it,” he explained.
It is also necessary to establish short, medium and long-term goals, taking into account that motivation is what most helps guide your behaviors and attitudes. Likewise, it is recommended not to leave aside leisure spaces with family, couples and friends, through activities such as going to the cinema, the theater, a museum or walking through a shopping center, among others, so as not to feel like monotony has returned.
“To avoid the syndrome, you can also manage a reflective and positive approach in which you are grateful and feel satisfied for the experiences you had during the holidays, which will help you counteract the negative emotions related to returning to the office,” he said. the professor at the San Buenaventura University.
Vacation
Another tip from this expert is to maintain a pleasant environment and organized in the workplace, decorating, setting and organizing the space in a way that improves motivation and emotional health. This can be accompanied by strengthening interpersonal relationships at work so that they are more cordial and empathetic.
“Remember to treat others as you would like to be treated, so you can create a better work environment. Bring your attention to what is valuable and interesting about your job, this will keep you motivated during difficult times,” the professor insists.
Finally, among the keys to detecting that you have this illness, Edwin Oliveros indicated that aspects such as having less motivation for things that you naturally like about work, presenting sudden changes in sleeping routines, sleeping less or more than usual and not feeling hunger or Not enjoying food are also signs to pay attention to.
