Returning to Work: Science-Backed Tips for a Less Stressful Return, Complete Guide
Back to Work: Science-Backed Tips for a Less Stressful Return and Global Curiosities
Returning to work after a vacation, leave, or even just a weekend can be a challenge. The feeling of facing a mountain of pending tasks and adapting to the daily routine can generate stress. However, science offers some recommendations to make this transition more manageable. Did you know that there are also curious traditions and customs related to returning to work in different parts of the world?
Discover all this below!
Curiosities in different countries about returning to work
India:
Festivals and Celebrations: Summer vacations in India often coincide with important festivals, such as Diwali in some regions. When returning to work, it is common for colleagues to share sweets and snacks related to the festivities.
During the Diwali festival, it is traditional to clean and decorate workplaces to invite prosperity and good luck for the coming year.
Rituals and Prayers: In some companies or institutions, especially those with strong cultural or religious influence, there may be small rituals or prayer sessions to mark an auspicious start after the holidays.
Regarding CBD in India, it is in a legal gray area. Unlike Singapore, where CBD is illegal, and all cannabis-related products are illegal, and penalties are extremely severe.
Spain:
During Christmas, it is common for workers to bring "turrones" (nougat) or Christmas sweets to share with their colleagues after the Christmas holidays. But what about summer?
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"Post-holiday Depression": This term is commonly used to describe the feeling of sadness or apathy that some people experience when returning to work after vacation. Although it is not a clinical condition, it is a recurring topic in conversations and media during late summer.
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Adapting to the Schedule: During the summer, many companies in Spain adopt the "intensive schedule," which usually involves starting the workday earlier and finishing by noon or early afternoon, thus avoiding the hottest hours of the day. Upon returning from vacation, it is necessary to readjust to the regular schedule.
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Start of the School Year: The return to work coincides with the beginning of the school year. For many parents, this means school-related preparations, such as buying books and school supplies.
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Reconnecting with Routines: Spain is known for its active social life, with dinners that extend late into the night and evening strolls. After the holidays, many must readjust to stricter routines and conventional work schedules.
Mexico: How do they return to work after the end of the year?
After the year-end holidays, it is common for workers to share "rosca de reyes" in January, a traditional cake that celebrates Epiphany.
By the way, in Mexico, hemp-derived CBD (with a THC content of less than 1%) is legal for sale, production, and consumption. Medical Cannabis: In 2017, Mexico legalized the medicinal use of cannabis with a THC content of less than 1%. This opened the door to the production and sale of medicinal CBD products. However, the regulatory framework for medical cannabis has been subject to debate and has suffered delays in its implementation.
Japan: How do they return to work?
The first working day of the year is known as "Shigoto Hajime," and it is traditional to visit a shrine or temple to pray for success and prosperity at work.
By the way, in Japan, CBD is legal as long as it contains no detectable traces of THC. However, laws are strict, and any product with THC, even in minimal amounts, is illegal.
Australia: What's curious about their holidays?
Since their summer falls in December and January, it's common for companies to have an extended break during the festivities. Upon returning, it's traditional to share stories of barbecues and beach days.
In Australia, CBD (cannabidiol) is legal but subject to certain regulations and restrictions. Medical Prescription: CBD is available in Australia, but a medical prescription is generally required to access it. It is not legal to purchase or possess CBD without a valid prescription.
Low THC Products: CBD products in Australia must contain less than 2% of other cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), to be considered legal.
Access to Medical Cannabis: Australia has a "Medical Cannabis Access Scheme" that allows patients to access cannabis products, including CBD, for specific medical conditions when prescribed under the supervision of a doctor.
In Argentina
The return to work after summer holidays has its own peculiarities, influenced by the country's culture, climate, and traditions.
- End of the Summer Break: Summer holidays in Argentina usually extend from mid-December to late February or early March. This is because it is in the Southern Hemisphere, like Australia.
- Climate Adaptation: Summer in Argentina can be very hot, especially in cities like Buenos Aires. Upon returning to work, it is common to discuss the weather and how high temperatures affect daily routines.
- Start of the School Year: The return to work coincides with the beginning of the school year. Therefore, for many parents, this period also involves school-related preparations, such as buying supplies and uniforms.
- Carnival: Although it is not a festival that lasts all summer, Carnival in Argentina is celebrated in February with parades and festivities. Some companies may grant days off during this period, and upon returning, it is common for employees to share their Carnival experiences.
- Don't Forget the "Mate": This traditional "infusion" is a constant in the daily lives of many Argentinians. It is not uncommon for co-workers to gather to share mate and catch up after returning from vacation.
What does science say about how to better return to work?
Here are some science-backed tips for a less stressful return:
Advance planning:
A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology suggests that planning tasks and activities for the week before returning to work can reduce anxiety and improve productivity.
Meditation and mindfulness:
According to a Harvard Business Review report, regular practice of meditation and mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve concentration, which is essential for adapting to the work routine.
Get enough sleep:
The National Sleep Foundation emphasizes that good rest is essential for cognitive and emotional recovery. Make sure you get 7 to 9 hours of sleep before your first day back.
Balanced diet and maintain a healthy routine:
A study by the University of California indicates that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can improve mood and energy, facilitating adaptation to work.
It is important to maintain a healthy routine that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep.
Take Regular Breaks:
Taking short, regular breaks throughout the day can help keep your mind fresh and reduce stress.
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CBD and Returning to Work: Benefits and Considerations
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects, meaning it does not produce a "high." In recent years, CBD has gained popularity due to its potential therapeutic benefits. Below, we explore how CBD can help when returning to work:
Stress and anxiety reduction:
Several studies have shown that CBD can have anxiolytic effects. This means it can help reduce anxiety levels, which can be especially useful for those who feel nervous or restless when thinking about returning to work.
Improved sleep:
Insomnia or poor sleep quality can be common after a period of rest or vacation. Some research suggests that CBD can help regulate the sleep cycle and improve sleep quality, which can be beneficial for those who need to readjust their sleep schedules.
Pain relief:
For those with physically demanding jobs or who suffer from chronic pain conditions, CBD may offer relief. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Improved concentration:
Although research is preliminary, some CBD users report improved concentration and mental clarity after consumption, which could be helpful when resuming tasks that require sustained attention.
Considerations when using CBD in the workplace:
- Legality: Make sure that the use of CBD is legal in your country or state. Although CBD is legal in many places (such as almost all of Europe), there are still regions where its use is restricted or prohibited.
- Company policy: Before consuming CBD, check your workplace's policies regarding substance use. Although CBD is not psychoactive, some companies may have specific policies on the matter.
- Dosage and quality: If you decide to try CBD, start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the amount that is effective for you. Also, make sure to purchase CBD products from reliable and high-quality sources.
- Interaction with other medications: If you are taking medication, consult a doctor before consuming CBD, as it could interact with certain substances.
The particularities of Asian countries regarding CBD
The legal status of CBD (cannabidiol) varies widely around the world and, in particular, in Asia. It is important to note that laws and regulations can change over time, so it is always advisable to consult local or updated sources before traveling or doing business in a specific country. Here is a list of countries in Asia where CBD is illegal or heavily regulated:
China:
Although China is one of the world's largest producers of industrial hemp, CBD is illegal for internal consumption. However, the export of CBD is legal.
India:
CBD is in a legal gray area. Although cannabis is largely prohibited, there are some exceptions for hemp-derived products with low levels of THC.
Indonesia:
CBD and all cannabis-related products are illegal, and penalties for possession and trafficking can be extremely severe.
Japan:
CBD is legal as long as it does not contain detectable traces of THC. However, laws are strict, and any product with THC, even in minimal amounts, is illegal.
Malaysia:
CBD and all cannabis-related products are illegal. Penalties for possession and trafficking in Malaysia are extremely severe and can include the death penalty.
Philippines:
CBD and all cannabis-related products are illegal, although discussions are ongoing about the legalization of medicinal cannabis.
Singapore:
CBD and all cannabis-related products are illegal, and penalties are extremely severe.
South Korea:
Although South Korea has legalized medicinal cannabis in certain circumstances, CBD remains largely illegal for recreational use.
Thailand:
In 2018, Thailand legalized medicinal cannabis, becoming the first Southeast Asian country to do so. However, recreational use remains illegal.
Vietnam:
CBD and all cannabis-related products are illegal.
In conclusion, CBD can offer several benefits that facilitate the transition back to work. However, it is essential to be properly informed and consider the legal and labor implications before incorporating it into your routine.
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