Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, the religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting. But after a month of working shorter hours, it isn’t easy to get back to the job.
In an article, Dr. Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist and managing director of Lighthouse Arabia, Dubai, said: “[Many] may feel a lack of energy and resources. They might be feeling disengaged and demotivated. Some might even experience anxiety about the workload and [having to meet] expectations of projects that are
It’s normal not to be able to get into the frame of mind for work, meetings, and deadlines after Ramadan. That said, it’s unrealistic to return to work and expect full productivity. But it’s possible to try and get into the right work mindset post-Ramadan and Eid. These simple tips will help you get started:
Plan ahead for after the break
The blues are sure to strike harder if you left for Ramadan break without prepping for it. Make sure you send off all the emails you needed to send and make notes on follow-ups needed to be done on the day you get back. Get your laptop and desk organized and uncluttered so it’s easy to fall back into your routine.
Start your day off right
Waking up an hour early adds 60 extra minutes to your day. Don’t miss your health fix if you’re used to it – be it exercise or prayers. Club your morning cup of tea or coffee with a nutritional breakfast. Avoid jumping into email or text inboxes; put your needs before other people’s.
Get to office early
The first day after Ramadan break isn’t the time to lope in late. Getting in 30 minutes early gives you some extra time – you can look in on what needs to be done, plan your day, and prioritize the tasks through the day. This extra time will help you transition back smoothly and ensure you’re seamlessly settled before the hustle and bustle of the work day begin for your colleagues.
Own your 120 minutes
Dan Ariely, behavioral economist at Duke University, has written that most people are “productive in the first two hours of the morning. Not immediately after waking, but if you get up at 7 you’ll be most productive from around from 8-10:30.” Use this time wisely instead of spending it on things that don’t “require high cognitive capacity.”
Ease into things
Don’t jump back to work, ease into it. If possible, try not to schedule vital meetings and conferences in the first couple of days. Let your body – and mind – adjust to the work routine. Spending too many hours in the office on your first day back won’t help you finish everything on your to-do list. Shorter time may mean increased focus and enhanced productivity.
Starting with small things can help you get to the big things. But make sure you prioritize work – daily and weekly – to ensure that you get everything done. Keeping the channels of communication open – with juniors, co-workers, and supervisors – will make the transition seamless.
