The months of September, October and November have it all; From late night dandiya parties to early morning puja's to Diwali nights followed by Govardhan and Bhaidhooj, these 3 months are generally described as the months that ‘India celebrates'. Although India's passion for festivals is world famous, our infamous disturbance in work-life balance post- festivals seems to be superseding the simple joys that this season brings.
From tempting social invitations to enticing offers in the market, this period simply puts every Indian in ‘holiday mode'. And to make things even harder, the extended post-holiday scenes with friends and family! But, you know what's worst? That feeling of home sickness when you get back to your work-town.
Indian Culture v/s Western Culture
As Indians, we do not enjoy certain freedoms that several of our western counterparts enjoy. Elsewhere in the world people recognize certain parts of the year as ‘holiday periods', and true to their word, they keep these parts strictly for ‘holiday'. They just don't work! - Most industries come to a halt, offices are closed and schools are on vacation. This allows for complete reformation, giving families the time they need together, while giving working professionals a refreshing break.
In India, however, working professionals are caught between family life and deadlines; and this can be particularly frustrating for individuals who have grown up celebrating the season of festivals with no holds barred.
The Tricky Part: Post-Festivity Work Mode
Going back to work with clothes that are a wee bit tighter isn't exactly the ideal post-holiday scenario.
The tricky part of the festival season undoubtedly, is getting back to work. The festival season should only stop your train coaches at pleasant locations, and not de-rail them. Keeping your train on track is a somewhat awkward proposition, (in view of the bliss one might encounter during the festival season) but one that is most essential in deciding how effective your celebration really was.
Post- Festivity Blues
- Post-festivity blues can lower morale at work and reduce productivity. Managing familial commitments as well as meeting deadlines can be a terrible experience, and while performing this balancing act, 9 in 10 cases will eventually sacrifice family time for work- something that can and must be avoided.
- For people who need to get back to their workplace in different cities, home sickness hits the hardest post-festivities. It is natural to feel homesick and lonely during the holiday season, and there's no quick fix to homesickness — it takes time and patience. But, it doesn't mean we can't do anything to improve our situation.
- When homesickness sets in, FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) may take hold, causing you to continuously check social media to stay up to date.
Related read: Transforming FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) To JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out)
Coping Strategies for Homesickness
- If you get a chance to attend any event, be it alone or with friends, make the most out of it.
- Go out for dinner with your friends or acquaintances in the city.
- Pick up a hobby class or learn something new to keep yourself busy.
- Hit the gym again! Or, simply dedicate a fixed timing your day to stay active.
- Explore places you have never been to. It will help you rejuvenate as well as give you the opportunity to make new social connections.
- Stay in touch with your family and loved ones. Talk to them whenever possible.
- Make a habit of updating your journal. What stays in head can manipulate your behavior. Let it all out.
If you've been experiencing burnout and "post-holiday blues," therapists can assist clients in Coping With Post-Holiday Homesickness.
Following healthy habits and knowing how to deal with your emotions will allow you to slip into, and out of ‘work mode' most comfortably, while providing you the refreshing break you'll need to double your productivity on your return.