Israeli Health Experts Advise Gradual Return to Work After Holidays

Following the holiday season, Israelis are advised to ease back into their work routines to avoid overload, according to Clalit health officials. Attempting to immediately catch up on all accumulated tasks can lead to significant stress in the initial days back. Clalit recommends a gradual reintegration into the usual schedule, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life.

Dr. Sigal Mazor, Director of the Department of Health Education and Promotion at Clalit, stated that the body needs time to adapt after weeks of vacations, festivities, and disrupted routines. She advises against returning to full work capacity immediately. Reintroducing physical activity is a key first step, suggesting a return to regular, enjoyable activities like walking or cycling rather than intense compensatory workouts.

To manage the backlog of work, Clalit suggests prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance, then addressing them sequentially to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. The return to work should not mean abandoning beneficial habits formed during the holidays. It is important to schedule time for family, friends, walks, and screen-free activities, incorporating them into the calendar alongside work commitments.

Short breaks during the workday are also encouraged to maintain concentration. These can include standing up, stretching, stepping outside, or taking a proper lunch break. Engaging in non-work-related hobbies such as gardening, music, or cooking can help with mental switching and relaxation. The overarching principle promoted by Clalit is gradualness, focusing on re-establishing physical activity, organizing work, and preserving time for rest and social connection.