Ever since your stress-free getaway ended, you haven’t been feeling yourself lately; right? It’s like reality suddenly hit you in the face and all the happiness you were feeling while on a vacation vanished into thin air. Don’t worry dear traveler, you are experiencing “post-vacation blues”.
What is post-vacation blues?
Post-vacation blues, also known as post-vacation depression, is a short-lived wave of sadness, anxiousness, and irritability that you might experience after returning from a vacation. The moment you step off the plane you might feel that the “fun” is over, you have nothing to look forward to, and you are hastily scrolling through your phone to book your next vacation.
What you are experiencing is totally normal, and it is not considered a mental condition as long as the symptoms last for a couple of days. However, if the symptoms plagued you every day for two weeks, consider seeking professional help.
What are the symptoms?
In fact, post-vacation depression symptoms and clinical depression symptoms are somehow similar. However, the latter are usually long-lived, don’t fade away easily, and need professional help. Post-holiday blues symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
- Insomnia
- Lack of motivation
- Obsessively daydreaming about the vacation and impulsively planning your next getaway
- Extreme sadness
- Feeling anxious about returning to routine
How to fight post-vacation blues?
Some travelers believe that post-vacation blues are bound to happen to everyone. However, this is not the case! Around 64% of travelers catch post-vacation blues, and if you are one of them then all you have to do is the following:
- Relax, relax, relax
Just because you were having the time of your life doesn’t mean that you have to beat yourself up and rush to work, and your daily mundane routine as soon as you return! Give yourself time to readjust and enjoy a smooth transition.
If possible, try to take at least one day off before you ease back into reality.
2. Plan something fun to look forward to
Keep in mind that even though your vacation is over, the fun is not! You can plan for an exciting outing with friends, a road trip with the family, and “me” time at the spa. Make sure to start planning during the vacation to have something to look forward to when you return. The realization that your calendar is already full will keep you motivated and reserve your vacation mindset.
3. Reunite with friends
Don’t let post-vacation blues keep you away from your loved ones. Reunite with your friends and catch up where you left off. It is good to acknowledge your feelings as well and tell your friends how you are feeling.
4. Stay active
If you are looking for “happy hormones”, you know where to find them! Try going to the gym, going for a walk, or even hitting the dance floor, and notice how your mood will automatically skyrocket.
5. Focus on a healthy lifestyle
This means that you have to get enough sleep, eat healthy food, stay hydrated, and exercise. You might find it difficult at first to ease back into your bedtime routine or healthy eating habits. However, always remember that what you eat, and how much sleep you get can affect your mood big time.
Try to adjust to your usual bedtime routine before the vacation ends.
6. Start saving for your next vacation
Believing that this vacation is not your last and that you can surely enjoy another getaway soon, will put you in a positive mood. Hence, let go of this sad mood and start saving for your next bliss!
Post-vacation blues can be really disturbing! However, it is always good to maintain a positive mindset and know that the blues will eventually fade and your next remarkable vacation is yet to come!
