Don't let gogatsubyo, the May blues, get you

In Japan, the spring is a time of transition at work and school. Schools start in the first few weeks of April and many workers may engage in 転職, tenshoku, changing employment. For many, this means packing up, moving, and doing a lot of paperwork. It’s full tilt in spring. There’s the promise of meeting new people, making friends, and learning new things.

At my workplace, a private high school, everybody is up, smiling, and excited about receiving a new cohort of students. We’re welcoming some fresh faces in the staffroom, too - new teachers excited about starting their careers. I’m feeling buoyed by all the good energy.

Golden Week

One aspect of the Japanese fiscal and academic calendar that surprised me when I first came to work here is the rush you get in April followed by Golden Week, the four national holidays between April and May. This year’s Golden Week holidays for reference are:

昭和の日 Showa no Hi, Showa Day April 29

憲法記念日 Kenpo Kinenbi, Constitutional Memorial Day May 3

みどりの日 Midori no Hi, Greenery Day May 4

こどもの日 Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day May 5

Two holidays are part of the Happy Monday System that moves holidays that fall on weekends to Mondays to create three-day weekends.

Gogatsubyo, the post-holiday blues

Don't get burned out.  Photo Andrea Piacquadio

The excitement of April and the long holiday in the glorious spring sunshine is a real mood booster. But I’ve got bad news for you. The next national holiday is a long way off - 海の日 Umi no Hi, Marine Day on July 15th. For some people, the energy and enthusiasm begin to fade and 五月病, Gogatsubyo, May Sickness, sets in. It’s not a medical term but expresses the malaise people feel as they are beset by challenges and adjustments after the holidays. Compounding the stress is tenkibyo, the meteorologically induced condition that sets in during the rainy season.

Staving off the lethargy

But it’s not all bad and you can weather the changes. Besides the remedies I mentioned in the post about tenkibyo, there are many things you can do. First, go easy on yourself. When so many new things are in play, there are bound to be slip-ups and plans might not work out how you expect.

And pace yourself. At work and school, schedule regular breaks to do something you enjoy. Keep a regular sleep schedule and avoid coffee or alcohol late in the day as it might disturb your sleep. You’ll need a lot of energy to sustain yourself for full weeks from May until July 15th when you get that three-day weekend for Marine Day.

Do you find the May to July stretch with no statutory holidays a slog? How do you manage? Do you have any tips on foods that help you get through it?