The feeling of melancholy upon returning from vacation has a name: it’s called “post-vacation blues,” and it’s heavier for some than for others. Here’s how you can alleviate it.
The stress of returning from vacation is not just a feeling.
Returning to the daily grind after indulging in summer holidays can be a complex endeavor, often giving rise to the commonly dreaded “post-vacation blues.” This state of mind, marked by apathy, fatigue, and melancholy, can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and productivity.
Understanding the Overwhelming Post-Vacation Stress
“Overwhelming post-vacation stress,” frequently referred to as “post-vacation blues,” represents a psychological and physical reaction to the resumption of daily routines following a break — whether it be a holiday or an extended work hiatus. From a psychological perspective, it manifests through several facets:
Adaptation to Change: After an extended period of relaxation, wherein your body and mind acclimate to a different pace, returning to the routine can feel abrupt and mentally draining.
Emotional Contrast: Vacations often evoke feelings of peace, freedom, and joy. The stark contrast between these emotions and the responsibilities and structure of daily life can breed frustration and melancholy.
Expectations vs. Reality: Many anticipate a smooth transition upon their return, but when reality deviates from these expectations, stress can ensue.
Accumulating Responsibilities: Readjusting to daily life can bring forth a mountain of tasks, emails to tackle, and decisions to make, which can easily become overwhelming.
Biochemical Factors: During vacations, the body becomes accustomed to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. The return to routine can trigger a sudden surge in cortisol, affecting mood and energy levels.
Of course, everyone’s response to change varies based on individual factors, such as personality, past experiences, and coping strategies. While some may experience a temporary drop in morale, others might grapple with more pronounced symptoms of stress or anxiety.
Coping Strategies for Post-Vacation Blues
Adaptation Phase and Gradual Recovery: Instead of plunging back into work immediately after your holiday, plan a few days to recuperate, organize your surroundings, and mentally prepare for the transition. Start with a lighter workload to ease into your routine.
Fill Your Calendar with Enjoyable Activities: Arrange social gatherings, movie nights, or short weekend getaways with friends. Having exciting events on the horizon can make the transition smoother.
Maintain Holiday Habits: If you adopted healthy routines during your vacation, such as reading, meditation, or exercise, try to incorporate them into your daily life. Prioritizing these habits can infuse your routine with a touch of relaxation.
Balance Work and Leisure: It’s essential to create clear boundaries between work and personal time. If you carry work home or never disconnect, returning back to your routine becomes even more challenging.
Why Does the Return Hit Some Harder?
After basking in a carefree and stress-free environment, returning to daily obligations can prove exhausting.
The shift from a relaxed, fun and worry-free pace to a frenetic daily routine is certainly stress inducing.
Reducing exposure to sunlight also affects stress: On holiday, we tend to spend more time outdoors which benefits both sleep and mood.
If your return greatly tires you and affects your physical and mental health, perhaps it is worth asking yourself a few questions about your daily habits.
Anyone can suffer from the return syndrome, but some people are more predisposed:
Perfectionism: Those accustomed to checking every detail may find it difficult to deal with the accumulation of tasks upon returning.
Work-Life Integration: Individuals who blur the lines between work and leisure, frequently bringing work home or never fully disconnecting, might find the return transition more challenging.
The post-vacation blues, a natural reaction to the contrast between holiday freedom and daily responsibilities, can be managed effectively. By recognizing your feelings and adopting appropriate strategies, you can navigate this adjustment period with greater ease.
This article first appeared on grazia.it — Author: Elena Zauli
