Fahd Al-Mannai Saudi Gazette MAKKAH – The long Eid Al-Fitr holidays are a good opportunity for government employees to rest and recover from the often hectic Ramadan schedule but resetting biological clocks is a problem for many. During the holy month and subsequent Eid holidays, many people in the country sleep during the day and say up at night, however, from today, government offices have reopened and employees must change their routines and start waking up early once again. “For me, a vacation is a period of relaxation from work but resetting my biological clock, going to bed and eating on time needs more time to change. I find it difficult to wake up early. This first week will all be about readjusting. Then the stifling routine and long hours begin,” said Fahd Al-Ruwaithi, a government employee. Hassan Al-Mihmadi, who works in the education sector, said, “This feeling (and difficulty in adjusting the biological clock) after the vacation, affects a sizable portion of government employees. It is natural for a person to feel depressed after entering an atmosphere that is characterized by routine, pressure and exhaustion.” However, not everyone is dreading the change. Many people begin readjusting their clocks days before government offices and schools are scheduled to open. “I am excited to return to work and be productive again instead of the boredom I've experienced the past few weeks. During the Eid holidays I forced my family, especially my children, to get used to going to bed early and waking up on time. Everyone is ready to go to school or offices at their normal tempo,” said Basim Al-Shami.
