5 tips for overcoming holiday blues

The back-to-back Christmas and New Year holidays have just passed, and after getting a well-deserved long break, many of us might find it a tad difficult to get back to the work that may or may not have piled up (oops!). 

If you are struggling to get yourself motivated to work, study or chase your New Year resolutions, fret not as these five tips are here to help you get back on track. 

Ever felt a state of euphoria after a long run or strenuous physical exercise? This is a phenomenon called a “runner’s high”, that is caused by a group of neurotransmitters. 

One such neurotransmitter, Dopamine, is said to be responsible for mood, attention, motivation, working memory and learning, which makes it very important if you are trying to function at optimum levels. 

Next time you are feeling a little unmotivated to start work, go for a short run or engage in some high-intensity workouts to get your blood pumping!

The Pomodoro technique is a timing method that helps to train the brain to focus for short periods of time. This technique comprises 25 minutes of work followed by five- minute breaks that is said to avoid burnouts. 

There are multiple productivity applications that make use of the Pomodoro technique. One such application that you can try out is Focus Plant.

This application is free for both Android and iOS users.

While listening to music is unlikely to make you more intelligent, it’s hard to deny that listening to calming or lo-fi music can help some when it comes to focusing and boosting productivity. 

With YouTube and Spotify offering many options for free, it is without doubt that you will be able to find a study playlist that suits your study needs.

While it may be tempting to snack while working, high-sugar food may cause you to feel lethargic and unmotivated. 

Instead, superfoods such as bananas and dark chocolate contain many mood-boosting compounds that make them an ideal snack choice when working. 

Next time you go grocery shopping, make sure to pick out these healthier alternatives instead!

Did you mess up your body clock, staying up late to usher in the New Year? That might just be the reason why you are feeling tired and unmotivated this post holiday season. 

It is recommended that we get around seven to nine hours of shut-eye every night. Getting anything lesser might make you groggy and grumpy, which in turn leads to lesser productivity. 

Try going to bed the same time every night; it might just be the key to a happier and healthier you!