AFTER the weeklong holiday, people have to get back into routine, but many face the "post-holiday syndrome": a general feeling of discomfort caused by a person's inability to adapt to work after the holidays.

Drowsiness or sleeplessness, rapid heartbeat and muscular aches are some common symptoms. Stomach disorders are a symptom of over-eating calorie-laden foods and a lack of physical exercise.

So here we suggest you carry out a post-holiday cleansing that could help you quickly get back on track. For one day, eat nothing but vegetables and the occasional piece of fruit. You can take it a step further by pureeing the veggies and making it a liquid cleanse. Either way, make sure you drink lots of water and some herbal tea. It's only for one day and it will help replenish all those nutrients that you traded for gingerbread over the holidays.

Meanwhile, eating dates, broad beans, walnut, sesame seeds or sun dried longan could help clean out the "waste" built up by fried, preserved, spicy and fatty foods. Moreover, milk can help ease tiredness, while the lactose in milk helps to boost the absorption of calcium and iron which are good for the body.

This page also features vegetarian restaurants and recipes that may give you a fresh and healthy start. Check it out.

Besides gastronomic therapy, catching up on sleep is a priority. You are advised to shower in hot water two to three hours before going to bed to help readjust your biological clock to normal pace to improve the quality of sleep. Exercise, such as yoga, jogging and swimming, will also help the body recover its normal functions. Best results can be achieved if you exercise between 4 and 5 p.m because it fosters better sleep when at night. Reading and listening to music can also prove relaxing after all the excitement during the holidays.

(SD News)