As Aussies swap beach towels for desk chairs, a new condition is sweeping the nation, with research revealing our jump back to reality is leaving us with a holiday hangover – PHAARC (Post-Holiday Acute Aggravated Rebound Condition).
PHAARC strikes when the out-of-office mode is turned off and reality sets in. According to new data from ready meal delivery service, Youfoodz, nearly half of the nation (43%) is feeling PHAARC-ed, trying to bounce back from their holiday break, while a third of the nation (32%) is feeling overwhelmed, stressed or burnt out, when we should feel refreshed.
Are you still struggling to wake up for your regular alarm? Are you staring at your inbox blankly for longer than you should? Or does time at your desk feel like it’s moving in slow motion? You might be suffering from PHAARC, with the most common symptoms identified from Aussies being low energy levels (56%), a lack of concentration (43%), Mind fog (37%) and time stretching (31%).
Other classic side effects of the condition Aussies are experiencing are missing your alarm – again (49%). Going to bed too late (37%) and forgetting to drink enough water (27%). ‘PHAARC’ me right?
When the nation goes back to work, our diet stays on holiday
One of the unexpected casualties of PHAARC is our diet. According to the research, 42% of Australians admit their eating habits are the last thing to return to routine after a holiday, as decision fatigue sets in and motivation quietly disappears.
The result? Almost 20% of the nation admits they are resorting to takeaways more often, while over 56% say they buy lunch every few days or more. What’s more, one in five Aussies are stuck with ‘lunch decision fatigue’ – the daily stress of deciding what’s for lunch every day or forgetting your lunch altogether.
Psychiatrist Dr Kieran Kennedy’s call to Australians: Take it slow and approach your return to reality with intention
While PHAARC hasn’t quite earned a chapter in medical textbooks (yet), Psychiatrist Dr Kieran Kennedy says the struggle is very real.
“After time off, the brain doesn’t love being thrown straight back into routines, deadlines and decision-making,” says Dr Kennedy.
“Getting back into work or study can feel overwhelming, so it helps to ease in gradually, take regular breaks, move your body, prioritise sleep, and structure your day to reduce decision fatigue. And of course, fuel yourself with regular, healthy meals to keep energy, focus, and mood steady,” says Dr Kennedy.
To help Aussies survive the post-holiday slump, Youfoodz has teamed up with Dr Kennedy to create a PHAARC Recovery Guide, packed with practical tips to reduce decision fatigue and support focus, mood and sustained energy.
Youfoodz has also released three new bundles designed to make returning to work easier and more enjoyable: The Recovery Bundle, ideal for resetting your routine with meals like Chicken Boscaiola and a fresh Brown Rice Salad; The Joy Bundle, perfect for curing post-holiday blues with Roast Chicken with Loaded Mash & Veg and a cheeky Chocolate Brownie Bite; and The Office Lunch Saviour Bundle, a 9-to-5 survival kit featuring Nonna’s Spag Bol.
“With small, intentional changes, the post-holiday slump doesn’t have to derail your start to the year,” says Dr Kennedy.
Kiara Hardy, Product Developer and Nutritionist at Youfoodz shared:
“When you’ve got PHAARC, even choosing what to eat can feel like a full-time job. We wanted to take one everyday decision off Aussies’ plates so they can focus on getting back into the swing of work, school and uni.”
Because while the holidays might be over, suffering through lunch decisions doesn’t have to be.
To read Dr Kieran’s full PHAARC survival guide, visit: https://phaarc.youfoodz.com/