Post-vacation depression, an emotional phenomenon that many of us can relate to!

After a fantastic vacation, it can be hard to get back to daily living. Can someone handle adult responsibilities without feeling guilty? After a holiday, many people feel travel blues or depression, causing frustration and sadness in everyday life. The excitement of new experiences makes returning to regular routines feel tiring. You might long for freedom and adventure, feeling stressed by work and chores. To cope, reflect on your trip with gratitude, ease yourself back into your routine, and find little ways to keep the joy of vacation alive, like planning future trips or enjoying small moments of relaxation. The hustle and bustle of a relaxing vacation leaves you feeling deeply disheartened. But then the excitement fades away, replaced by panic- from emails from work to chores and the rat race of life. To manage this, try to welcome the transition with kindness towards yourself. Gradually, try again by arranging something fun—like a quick weekend excursion or lingering at home for supper. Think about how happy you were on your trip, but do not get too carried away by the excitement. Renew connections with what you loved about your vacation, be it a hobby, the outdoors (or something you liked to do), or an old custom, are key factors in creating a sense of balance between work and leisure.

Reestablishing your routine after a trip can be hard, but several simple strategies can help;

First, take it slow and don’t rush into a full schedule. Easier said than done, I know! However, start by prioritizing urgent tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Set a fun goal, like planning a treat or weekend event, to keep some vacation cheer alive. Reflect on what you enjoyed during your trip and look for ways to include those aspects in your daily life. Stay active through exercise to boost your mood and fight post-vacation fatigue. Create a cozy routine with self-care activities like morning coffee or journaling. Finally, establish boundaries to protect your downtime by planning breaks and not overloading your schedule. Small, mindful changes can make your return easier and less stressful.