Eid break felt like a fever dream—one minute you’re stuffing your face with kahk, the next you’re being dragged back to reality with a calendar full of unread emails. If you’re struggling to get back into work mode, you’re not alone.

Here’s a breakdown of the emotional rollercoaster that is returning to work after Eid.

Stage 1: Denial – “There’s No Way It’s Over Already”

The night before work, you’re staring at your phone, trying to convince yourself that Eid was just yesterday and somehow, magically, the break will be extended. Maybe there’s a last-minute public holiday no one told you about. Maybe your boss will forget work exists.

Unfortunately, reality hits when you check your calendar—your first meeting is at 9 AM. And no, you can’t call in sick, because half the office is already planning to pull that move.

“Maybe I should just quit and start a business selling kahk.”

Stage 2: Fake Productivity – “Let Me Look Busy”

You log in, pretend to check emails, and aggressively click your keyboard so your coworkers think you’re working. The only thing getting real attention? The post-Eid memes circulating in your office group chat.

By 10 AM, you’ve opened the same email seven times, scrolled through LinkedIn to feel professional, and watched two productivity videos that won’t actually make you productive.

“If I respond to just one email, that counts as work, right?”

Stage 3: Coffee Dependence – “My Blood Is 90% Caffeine at This Point”

Your body is still adjusting from Eid mode—where the only schedule you followed was iftar, suhoor, and nap times. Now, you’re expected to be fully functional at 8 AM? Impossible.

By noon, you’re on your third coffee, hoping it will trick your brain into thinking you’re ready to work. Spoiler: It won’t.

“If I drink one more espresso shot, I might unlock superpowers.”

Stage 4: The Post-Lunch Slump – “I Need a Nap or I Might Pass Out”

Your stomach is not okay—your body is still recovering from all the Eid feasts you inhaled. Meanwhile, you have to pretend to care about spreadsheets and reports while your brain is shutting down.

Your biggest struggle? Staying awake in that 3 PM meeting.

“If I just close my eyes for 10 seconds… okay, maybe 15… wait, where am I?”

Stage 5: Reality Check – “I Actually Have Work to Do?”

Sometime around 4 PM, panic sets in. You finally check your emails and realize that work didn’t stop just because you did. Suddenly, your to-do list looks like a never-ending horror movie script.

“Okay, fine. Maybe I should actually do something… tomorrow.”

Stage 6: Counting Days to the Next Break – “When’s the Next Public Holiday?”

By the end of the day, you’ve done the bare minimum, survived multiple near-sleep episodes, and somehow made it through your first post-Eid workday. But instead of focusing on your tasks, you’re already Googling the next public holiday.

When’s the next break? Can we petition for another one? Asking for a friend.

“Who decided five-day workweeks were a good idea?”

If you’re struggling to function post-Eid, just know you’re not alone. No one is truly back in work mode—we’re all just pretending. So take it slow, keep the caffeine flowing, and most importantly, start mentally preparing for the next holiday… because it’s the only thing keeping us sane.

Which stage are you at right now? Let us know in the comments.