News Archive: Beating the Post-Vacation Blues

Feeling blue after a vacation is not unusual, said a clinician. It’s so common, in fact, that this phenomenon has been given a name all its own: the “Post-Vacation Blues.”

“On vacation, we usually get enough sleep, take it as slow or as fast as we want, and typically do things that we enjoy,” she explains. “But when we arrive home, we suddenly have to switch gears and take on the responsibilities of work, family and home.”

Going back to work can sometimes be a tough transition. This is primarily because the workplace is the antithesis of a vacation. While vacations are generally free-flowing and relatively stress-free, the workplace is a structured environment with stressful demands and deadlines.

“On vacation, we escape from our daily rituals, and take a break from our busy lifestyles,” explained the clinician. “When we come home, we surrender this flexibility and a great deal of control to the demands of everyday life.”

While feeling let down after vacation is not uncommon, it can be minimized. Whether you spend your vacation on an exotic island or lounging by the backyard pool, the clinician offers some tips for fending off those pesky post-vacation blues:

• Remember to relax. Choose vacation activities that will make you feel refreshed and renewed not exhausted. Beating the blues will be twice as difficult if your vacation wiped you out.
  
• Be creative with your vacation time. Rather than take a two-week vacation, take several long weekends and plan interesting activities. This way you’ll always have something to look forward to.
  
• Try returning home on a Friday, so you have a couple of days to prepare for the work week; it can help ease the transition to your duties.
  
• Use your vacation as a catalyst for change. If you dread the thought of returning to work, make the decision to go back refreshed and ready to make some productive changes, such as improving your delegating skills, practicing better time management, or organizing your workplace.
  
• Plan to do something fun after your trip. Go out to dinner with friends or take the kids to the zoo. Rather than dreading going home, you’ll have a pleasant activity to anticipate.
  
• Accentuate the positive. Upon returning to the challenges of daily living, go over your photos and souvenirs to relive enjoyable moments from your trip. You may also find it helpful to remind yourself of the things you like most about your life and environment, like your friends, your community, and the comfort and security of home.

If it seems like your post-vacation blues are lingering a bit too long, consider contacting a mental health professional.