[TWO PRONGED] STRUGGLING TO RECOVER FROM THE HOLIDAY BLUES

The weeks following the long Christmas break are emerging as a difficult stretch for many Filipinos, with some reporting low mood, fatigue, and a sense of letdown as regular routines resume. This experience, often referred to as the “holiday blues,” tends to surface once decorations are packed away and festive gatherings taper off. According to initial information from local mental health advocates, the phenomenon appears to affect both students returning to campus and employees going back to full workloads. While there is no formal nationwide data yet on the extent of the problem, anecdotal accounts shared online suggest that the emotional dip is widespread. As of now, there are no confirmed details indicating that the trend is limited to a particular age group or region.

The struggle to recover is seen as two-pronged, involving both emotional and financial pressures after the holidays. Based on preliminary reports from consumer groups, many households are still catching up on expenses following gift-giving, travel, and seasonal gatherings. At the same time, some individuals describe feeling socially drained after weeks of events, yet also lonely once the social calendar suddenly empties. Mental health professionals note that shorter daylight hours, disrupted sleep schedules, and irregular eating patterns over the break may also contribute to mood changes. Early observations from community clinics indicate that people who already manage stress or anxiety can feel these post-holiday shifts more sharply.

Workplaces and schools are beginning to acknowledge the seasonal slump, introducing small measures to ease the transition back to normal operations. Some companies, according to initial information from HR practitioners, are spacing out meetings and deadlines to help staff regain focus more gradually. A number of universities have reportedly reminded faculty to be mindful of student workloads in the first weeks of the new term. While these efforts are still limited, they reflect a growing recognition that productivity can dip when people are adjusting from a festive to a routine mindset. As of now, there are no confirmed details on whether such steps will be adopted more broadly in the coming months.

Health experts interviewed by local media outlets have been encouraging practical coping strategies rather than quick fixes. They recommend re-establishing regular sleep and meal times, incorporating light physical activity, and setting modest, realistic goals for the first few weeks of the year.