Expert Offers Tips for Smooth Return to Routine After Holidays

Following the conclusion of the holiday period, which this year was close to the summer vacation, many Israelis are returning to work and their regular routines. Health services at Clalit are warning that the initial days back at work can be a difficult adjustment period for many.

Dr. Sigal Mazor, Director of the Department of Health Education and Promotion at Clalit, advises that the return to routine can be an opportunity to re-establish healthy habits. She emphasizes that the transition should be gradual, not an immediate return to full pace. "The holiday period is behind us, and after weeks of vacations, meals, deviations from routine, and schedule changes, we are returning to work and routine," she explained.

Dr. Mazor also highlighted the importance of organizing work tasks. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, she recommends prioritizing assignments based on urgency and importance to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and return to work more effectively. "Clear prioritization can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and help us return to pace more efficiently and pleasantly."

To maintain balance during busy periods, she suggests scheduling fixed anchor activities each week, such as exercise, family meals, social gatherings, couple time, walks, hobbies, or quiet personal time. "Within a busy work week, it is important to pre-determine a few anchor points: a regular workout, a family meal, meeting with friends, couple time, a walk, a hobby, or even quiet time for ourselves," she advised.

Short breaks during the workday are also crucial. Dr. Mazor recommends getting up from the chair, stretching, stepping outside for fresh air, eating lunch calmly, or taking deep breaths. These breaks are not a waste of time but rather help in returning to tasks with renewed focus and energy. She also stressed the importance of making time for enjoyable activities, such as gardening, creative pursuits, music, cooking, or handicrafts, noting that leisure activities don't always need to be 'productive' but should be simply pleasurable.