Post-Holiday blues
Coping with the return to reality after a vacation
After a well-deserved vacation, it’s not uncommon to feel a little low when returning to your regular routine. This feeling is often called “post-holiday blues” or “vacation hangover” and can make transitioning back to everyday life seem harder than expected. Whether you spent your holiday relaxing on a tropical beach, exploring a new city, or enjoying quality time with family and friends, the return home can bring a mix of emotions, including sadness, anxiety, and a sense of loss.
Here’s a closer look at post-holiday blues, why it happens, and tips for coping with it as you return to reality.
Why Do Post-Holiday Blues Happen?
Vacations are a break from the normal stresses of life, offering a chance to recharge. When we’re on holiday, we often feel happier, more relaxed, and free from the responsibilities and pressures of work or daily life. This temporary escape is something many people look forward to, and it can feel like a letdown when it’s over.
Some reasons post-holiday blues occur include:
1. Sudden loss of freedom
On vacation, you have the freedom to do what you want, when you want. Returning to a more structured routine with work deadlines, household chores, and responsibilities can feel overwhelming.
2. Dopamine crash
Vacations often provide excitement and new experiences, which increase dopamine levels—the chemical in our brains that makes us feel pleasure. When the holiday ends, dopamine levels may drop, leaving us feeling uninspired or even down.
3. The contrast effect
Returning to normal life after experiencing something joyful can create a stark contrast. The mundane aspects of life like commuting, cooking, or dealing with emails can feel even more frustrating compared to the joy of being on holiday.
4. Unrealized expectations
Sometimes, we build up high expectations for our vacation, thinking it will completely rejuvenate us or solve ongoing stress. If the vacation doesn’t live up to these hopes, or we return to find the same stressors waiting for us, it can lead to feelings of disappointment.
5. Lack of sleep or exhaustion
Vacations often disrupt sleep patterns, whether it’s due to time zone differences or long travel days. Being physically tired can exacerbate feelings of sadness or irritability once you return home.
Signs of Post-Holiday Blues
Post-holiday blues don’t affect everyone in the same way, but some common signs include:
- Feeling tired or unmotivated
- Difficulty concentrating at work or school
- Sadness or a sense of loss about the end of the trip
- Irritability or frustration with everyday tasks
- A desire to plan another vacation immediately
- A longing to escape again
How to Cope with Post-Holiday Blues
While post-holiday blues are normal, they don’t have to overshadow the positive memories of your vacation. Here are some ways to ease back into daily life and keep the post-vacation sadness at bay.
a) Ease back into your routine
If possible, give yourself a buffer between returning home and jumping straight back into your routine. Taking an extra day off work or allowing some time to unpack, rest, and mentally transition can make the adjustment smoother.
b) Incorporate aspects of vacation into daily life
One way to keep the holiday spirit alive is by incorporating small elements of your vacation into your daily life. Did you enjoy long morning walks, reading a good book, or trying new foods? Try to keep these activities going at home, even if on a smaller scale.
c) Stay connected to your vacation
Create a photo album, slideshow, or journal that helps you relive the best moments of your trip. Revisiting these memories can give you a mental boost and remind you of the joy you experienced.
d) Plan your next getaway
Even if you can’t go on another vacation right away, start planning one. Having something to look forward to, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a big trip next year, can give you a sense of excitement.
e) Focus on self-care
Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is key to beating post-holiday blues. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and exercise regularly. Mindfulness techniques like meditation or journaling can also help you stay grounded and process your feelings.
f) Socialize and share your experiences
Don’t isolate yourself after returning from vacation. Share your stories and photos with friends and family, or catch up with colleagues about their own holidays. Sometimes talking about your experiences can reignite the positive energy you felt on vacation.
g) Set new goals
Coming back from vacation doesn’t have to feel like a dead end. Set new personal or professional goals for yourself to refocus your energy. Maybe you want to start a new hobby, focus on your fitness, or tackle a work project that excites you. Having new goals can create a sense of purpose as you settle back into your routine.
Final Thoughts
Post-holiday blues are a common emotional response after a period of relaxation and fun, but they don’t have to last. Acknowledging that it’s normal to feel a bit down after a vacation can help you navigate these feelings more effectively. By incorporating aspects of your vacation into your daily life, practicing self-care, and keeping future plans in mind, you can ease the transition back to reality and keep the post-holiday blues at bay.
Remember, vacations are a break, but they can also inspire positive changes and new perspectives in your everyday life.
Click this link to watch my video of coming home blues on youtube.https://youtu.be/GKTdsqugKQg
