Holidays are over and it is time to get :

Back to the grind

By Anuradha Kodagoda

Holidays ... those blissful days of family, fun and laughter, days of simply letting go and enjoying the moment, days when you pause the rat race to step out and really enjoy life... Last week many in Sri Lanka became very familiar with this concept, when the pace of life shifted gears and everyone took time out, not just to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, but also to savour the extended holidays that came with it.

Given the heat and the humidity that generally spells April, and given the overwhelming desire for all things cool, many families no doubt took of to the hills. But many more would have chosen to explore little known places in Sri Lanka, revisit familiar sites, re-connect with family or simply kick back, rest, relax, regroup and reorganize their lives.

Everyone needs this pause from life and the rat race it has become for many. But all too soon, the holiday is over, Monday dawns, 8 to 5 becomes an annoying reality and it is back to the grind. Shrugging off the holiday euphoria and getting back to the routine of school runs, morning traffic jams, unending paperwork, meetings, deadlines and lunch on the run, is not as fun or easy as preparing for the holidays. Returning to the same-old, same-old can diminish the spirits and the excitement savoured during those the lazy, hazy days of holidays. At least until the routine becomes the norm and the wheels of life begin to turn at normal speed. Still, getting back is not as fun as going away, even if it is to just stay at home. So how much rest and relaxation does one enjoy during holidays and how does one get back to the grind. We asked a banker, musician, student and HR Manager. And this is what they had to say.

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High on a roller-coaster ride

Holidays come too slowly and goes away too fast. Being on holiday makes you feel like you are on a roller-coaster ride stopping way up high to give you some air and let your heart beat settle to normal. It allows you to simply open your eyes to see around and enjoy serenity, just before it takes another thrilling dip. End of every holiday gives you the signal of ending that ride. Some of it is enjoyable, some of it is irritating, and some of it is just DRAMA. Looking forward for another blissful holiday.

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Miss being a child

With all the celebrations around the New Year holidays, You get to eat all these awesome food like Kavum, Kokis and Kiribath. About five to six years back. as a child I was so excited about celebrating this festival. But things have changed, I don't get to enjoy my new year holidays much because of studies. It's sad to see my holidays end after two or three days now. I miss being a child.

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Don't want it to end

Holidays are for hard workers to rest since work is something that makes people's lives hectic. But as much as we enjoy the holidays, my band and I like to sacrifice that because we turn to music to heal ourselves from the pressure brought on by work. The best solution to take out the stress for me is playing in my band 'VOID'" and that's why I don't like the holidays to end.

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Times flies when you enjoy

I don't really get why people complain about holidays ending fast. It's obvious that time flies when you enjoy it.

I always look forward to holidays and when it ends I look forward to the next. ( lol). I use my much anticipated holidays to chill mostly. Nothing stressful at all. Gaming, TV or going out for drinks with couple of friends.