TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Most Indonesian workforce will start their routine after the extended annual leave celebrating the Eid al-Fitr holiday has ended. However, the holiday atmosphere will still be carried over to the work environment and could emotionally affect a person. Such a situation is commonly called post-holiday blues.

"After an exciting event like the holidays, there is often a feeling of disappointment or let-down," Naomi Torres-Mackie, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and head of research at The Mental Health Coalition, as cited from Health.com.

What is post-holiday blues?

According to Paul Nestadt, MD, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Anxiety Disorders Clinic and assistant professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, the triggers for the post-holiday blues can vary from person to person.

Others who enjoy the holiday season may receive a boost of dopamine and serotonin, which are the two feel-good hormones, after spending time with friends and family. But, according to Dr. Nestadt, when the holiday events end, so too does the mood boost.

Clinical psychologist Toetik Septriasih explains post-holiday blues as a psychological symptom of a mood filled with sadness and loneliness after the holidays, which she said is a normal condition experienced by people following a vacation.

"Everyone can recover from this condition," she said.

She elaborated that there are two main aspects that can cause post-holiday blues. The first is when you use the holiday as a momentum to avoid responsibility, in stress management terms.

Second, when experiencing unpleasant events while on vacation. For example, when running out of money, facing the loss of someone or something, to lifedata-style changes such as sleeping hours and diet.

"Sleeping late or having too many travel plans can also cause post-holiday blues," says Toetiek.

FANI RAMADHANI

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