With just over a week left until the Lunar New Year, are you feeling weary and sometimes reluctant to go to work, yet excited about the countless preparations for the upcoming holiday?
This is actually a very normal psychological state that we experience as a long holiday approaches. However, this state can become problematic if we allow it to impact our work and study performance without managing it. For instance, driving while distracted because you’re thinking about shopping for festive attire and “bam…” or preparing year-end reports but lacking focus, which can affect deadlines and increase the chances of mistakes. What is this condition, and how can we turn it into a positive feeling that does not interfere with your life?
This state has been scientifically identified as the “Holiday Click-off Syndrome.” It is a psychological phenomenon characterized by restlessness and eagerness before the holiday season, making it difficult for us to concentrate on work or studies. If you are experiencing this state, you are certainly not alone. According to a large survey, over 50% of participants suffer from this syndrome.
Why do we experience Holiday Click-off Syndrome?
This syndrome occurs because our thoughts are distracted by personal needs as the holiday approaches, such as shopping, gifting, bonuses, and meeting friends. Some individuals face end-of-year work pressures, financial instability, and economic difficulties. All of these factors lead us to either avoid or confront the situation, much like the body’s reaction to stress. Regardless of the chosen response, we can easily feel exhausted and disheartened when faced with too much pressure at once.
How can you tell if you are truly experiencing “Holiday Click-off”?
We need to clearly distinguish between the excitement and joy of reuniting with family and friends during the springtime, which is a positive emotion, and the holiday click-off, which refers to the psychological state affected by overwhelming stress, as we make everything feel more urgent and ill-timed.
Symptoms of holiday click-off include lethargy, lack of focus, and a lack of motivation to complete work, studies, or goals that you would normally achieve. There should be a noticeable decline in effectiveness and productivity. Those experiencing this syndrome often think, “I’ll do it after the holiday,” “I’ll start again after the break,” or “Just one or two more weeks,” “I’m too overwhelmed to think about it now,” etc. It’s important to note that when we pause, the world continues to move on.
Those with this syndrome often think “I’ll do it after the holiday.”
What are the consequences of holiday click-off?
The consequences of holiday click-off include reduced work or study effectiveness, affecting the outcomes and progress of personal goals. Additionally, this syndrome can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, or a loss of self-confidence when unable to complete tasks that are otherwise within your capabilities.
How to overcome Holiday Click-off?
We need to identify the causes and extent of this phenomenon. You can apply the following specific strategies:
Make detailed and clear plans for each day leading up to the holiday, the more specific the better, to avoid unexpected challenges. For example, if you plan to do your holiday shopping next Saturday, focus on your work now and only think about shopping when Saturday comes. You could even list the items you intend to purchase to prevent impulse buying, because “spending too much” is also a form of stress, right?
Set a minimum goal for what you need to accomplish in a day. For example, if today I need to finish two tasks, focus on achieving those two tasks. If you complete those two and can take on a third, that’s great! If not, you’ve still achieved your original goal of two, and you deserve to rest.
Allocate time wisely for work and rest, avoiding overwork or underwork. If you think that working through lunch and overnight, while eating hurriedly to get as much done as possible, is the way to go, you should reconsider. Discipline is still the key to going further and lasting longer. Good health helps maintain clarity and reduces mistakes. If you neglect your health, are you trading something priceless for a predetermined value? Remember, the hospital bed is the most expensive bed in the world. Balance your work with your health.
Create positive motivations for yourself, such as rewarding yourself when you complete a task or study.
Maintain your physical and mental health by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising, and meditating.
