Post-holiday anxiety is already knocking on the door

Microstresses are small, recurring inconveniences that may seem minor at the moment, but if left unaddressed, they can accumulate and lead to long-term issues for our overall well-being.

According to Orbit’s latest survey conducted in Western European countries*, nearly one-third of respondents (30.33%) admitted that returning to work, school, or university after a holiday caused them stress, while 26% reported feeling anxious about it. These reactions were largely due to the thought of early mornings, mentioned by 39% of respondents.

Among office workers, 32% felt uncomfortable with the workload associated with catching up, while 24% experienced the most microstress from worrying that something had gone wrong during their absence.

Unsurprisingly, when students at schools and universities were asked, the main concern was waking up early after long summer breaks, with more than one-third (39.16%) expressing anxiety about it.

To combat microstress and support a smooth transition back to work or school after a restful holiday, Orbit has released three tips to overcome post-holiday fear. With these strategies and a bit of mindfulness, returning to work can become a smoother and less stressful process.

1. Keep the evening before your first work or school day free! Make sure to unpack your luggage, do the laundry, and finish the grocery shopping, so you’re prepared for the busy week ahead. This way, weekday evenings can remain calm and allow time for relaxation.
2. If your afternoon to-do list starts to feel endless and you sense microstresses building up, choose a hot drink, a snack, or even a piece of gum. According to a recent Orbit study, 38% of respondents reach for chewing gum when they need “me time.” A small break for yourself is a great choice if you’re feeling stressed.
3. If the first day starts to feel hectic, take a moment during your lunch break to pause, practice mindfulness, and regain your inner balance amid the hustle and bustle.

Laura Lipska, Senior Portfolio & Activation Manager for Mars’ Gum Category, said: “Holidays are important to break away from routine. Many people take time to rest when work takes over or after an intense school or university semester. If you feel nervous about the post-break period, follow our three tips to manage stress and create moments of mindfulness throughout your day. We hope these will help make your return to work or school as stress-free as possible.”

*Source: Censuswide survey commissioned by Mars Wrigley in collaboration with Weber Shandwick. The study included Gen Z and millennials (ages 16–42) in the UK, Poland, Germany, France, Spain, and Kazakhstan, with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 respondents, conducted on September 25, 2023.