Why mental performance and concentration decrease after a long holiday weekend: 4 reasons

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  1. Excessive alcohol consumption.

During long weekends or holiday periods, such as Christmas, people often allow themselves to relax and indulge in foods and drinks they enjoy (sweets, fatty foods, and alcohol) in large quantities. However, after the holidays, many people find it difficult to regain their mental sharpness and focus on work tasks. Since alcohol reduces concentration, impairs memory, and affects the ability to focus on important tasks. If consumed in excessive amounts or on a regular basis, alcohol can lead to long-term cognitive impairments, such as difficulty learning, making decisions, and general thinking. To avoid these negative effects, it’s important to monitor your alcohol consumption. For example, if you want to have a drink during the holidays, choose beverages with a lower alcohol content, which won’t cause a long-term decline in concentration.

  1. Noise and loud music.

Constant noise overloads the nervous system, making it difficult to focus on important tasks. Loud music and sounds force the brain to constantly react to new stimuli, which decreases the efficiency of cognitive processes. This can also trigger stress and emotional fatigue, further diminishing concentration and decision-making ability. If holiday parties last until late at night, sleep patterns are disrupted, which also negatively affects memory and the ability to concentrate. Therefore, it’s important to avoid overwhelming yourself with too many noisy parties during the holidays. Instead, spend time with loved ones or go to a ski resort where you can rest and recharge for your future work.

  1. Overeating.

When you eat too much, your digestive system becomes overloaded, which reduces brain activity. Physicals discomfort after overeating can also cause stress, further decreasing your ability to concentrate. It’s important to be mindful of what you put on your plate during the holidays. However, research shows that in most cases, people prepare dishes for the holidays that they cannot afford in everyday life, which leads to a decrease in mental activity. In order not to overload your stomach, it is better to choose lighter dishes for the holidays. They may differ from your usual diet, but they should not be cooked with a large amount of oil or be too sweet or salty.

  1. Decreased physical activity.

During long holidays, most people don’t maintain their usual routine. Since the holiday period is a time to rest from work and regular activities, this results in reduced physical movement. Furthermore, people often neglect proper sleep schedules during this time, and as a result, lack the energy to even dedicate 10 minutes to stretch their muscles. All of this affects the brain, and when it’s time to return to your usual routine, you may feel that you can’t quickly concentrate or complete all the tasks you’ve planned. Therefore, it’s important to find time for moderate physical activity during your holiday break, even if it’s just a walk outdoors or light exercises at home. Do what helps keep your body in shape — you can even dance to your favorite songs every morning.

All the above-mentioned reasons significantly worsen your condition after loud celebrations. To quickly restore your work capabilities and improve concentration, consider taking medications like Modalert and Artvigil. They will help you get back to work quickly and efficiently tackle important tasks from the very first day.