Post Vacation Depression: How to Deal with the Blues
After a long-awaited holiday filled with relaxation, adventure, and bliss, coming back home to reality can hit hard. Many of us experience what is commonly known as Post Vacation Depression, which can last several days or even weeks after returning from a trip. This phenomenon can be likened to the feeling of Monday blues, only worse, as you have to face the reality of going back to work or school and meeting all the demands of daily life that you left behind for a while.
What is Post Vacation Depression?
Post Vacation Depression, also known as Post Travel Depression or Post Holiday Blues, is a temporary feeling of sadness, anxiety, and disorientation that can occur after returning from a vacation. It can result from a range of factors, such as the end of a novel experience, jet lag, readjusting to mundane routines, and lack of socialising.
Often, feelings of nostalgia, frustration, and longing for the past holiday experiences can be overwhelming during this period. It’s normal to feel this way after a holiday, and the good news is that it is possible to manage and overcome this condition.
Symptoms of Post Vacation Depression
The symptoms of Post Vacation Depression can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
- Feeling sad and low in energy
- Lack of motivation and productivity
- Disinterest in daily activities
- Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleep
- Restlessness and irritability
- Difficulty in concentrating or focusing on tasks
These symptoms can be short-lived, lasting a few days, or they can be persistent, affecting the person for weeks or more.
Causes of Post Vacation Depression
Many factors can contribute to Post Vacation Depression. The most common causes include:
- The abrupt end of a pleasant experience
- Jet lag and changes in sleep patterns
- Re-entry into daily routines and responsibilities
- Separation from new friends or the feeling of missing out (FOMO) on holiday activities
- Financial stress or worry
- Experiencing cultural shock upon return to one’s country
How to Cope with Post Vacation Depression
While Post Vacation Depression can be a challenging experience, there are several ways to manage the symptoms and get back into the swing of daily life.
1. Plan Your Post Holiday Routine
Before returning home, create a routine of what you need to accomplish when you get back from your trip. Start by creating a to-do list and prioritising tasks to make it easier to manage. It can be overwhelming to get back at work or school and feel like you don’t have your life together. However, having a clear plan can help reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control.
2. Stay Active and Exercise
A great way to combat feelings of fatigue and low energy is to exercise. Exercise induces endorphins, which reduce stress and boost morale. You don’t have to hit the gym, a simple walk for 30 minutes each day can be a great mood booster.
3. Stay Connected with People
Staying connected with people is an essential part of recovery from Post Vacation Depression. It is easy to isolate oneself after a trip, but it is crucial to stay connected with family, friends or colleagues. Engage with people you met on your trip or others who have similar interests. You can reminisce about the fun times, and it may uplift your mood.
4. Incorporate Self-care
It’s essential to give yourself time for self-care after a vacation. Self-care can mean anything that helps you relax and rejuvenate. It could be a bubble bath, meditation, reading, yoga or listening to music. Invest in your wellbeing, and it will pay off in how you feel mentally and physically.
5. Learn Something New
Learning something new can help take your mind off the post-holiday blues. It can be a new hobby, a new language or trying out new cuisines. Keep that feeling of adventure alive by exploring new things, and it can help shift your focus from the sadness of coming back home.
Conclusion
Post Vacation Depression is a common experience for many people who travel. It’s vital to recognise the symptoms and seek support if it persists. It’s okay to feel down after a holiday, but it doesn’t mean it has to consume you entirely. Create a routine, stay active and connected, prioritise self-care and try something new. With time and self-compassion, you’ll find your way back on track and adjust to your daily routine.
FAQs
FAQs about Post Vacation Depression
What is post vacation depression?
Post vacation depression, or PVD, is the feeling of sadness and often anxiety that occurs when a holiday or vacation comes to an end. It can be caused by a range of factors, such as stress, overexertion, disappointment with the holiday, and a general feeling of letdown when returning to the routine of daily life.
What are the symptoms of post vacation depression?
Symptoms of post vacation depression can vary from person to person, but may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, and a lack of motivation or energy. You may also experience difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, post vacation depression can lead to physical symptoms such as a weakened immune system, headaches, and digestive problems.
How can I prevent post vacation depression?
There are several strategies that can be used to help prevent post vacation depression, including planning activities to look forward to after the holiday, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and setting realistic expectations for the holiday itself. It can also be helpful to take time to reflect on the positive experiences from the holiday and incorporate elements of it into your daily routine, such as a new hobby or mindfulness practice. If you find that your post vacation depression symptoms persist, seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
References
1. Suler, J. (2019). The Postvacation Blues: Restoring the Illusion of Control. Psychological Inquiry, 30(4), 395-398. https://doi.org/10.1080/1047840X.2019.1633822
2. Park, T. (2018). Post-vacation depression among Korean office workers. Journal of Occupational Health, 60(3), 267-272. https://doi.org/10.1539/joh.17-0219-OA
3. Chen, W., Zhang, X., Cheng, H., Liao, S., Ai, Z., Lin, F., … Wang, X. (2020). Prevalence and related factors of post-vacation syndrome among Chinese employees: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 276, 130-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.06.021