How To Overcome The Post Vacation Blues 10 Steps With Pictures

Get yourself re-acclimated to your home time zone by getting up and going to bed several hours earlier or later (depending on which way you’re traveling) for several days before you plan on returning. Try to stick to your usual sleep schedule from home while on vacation, if at all possible. Staying on schedule can help make the transition back to your normal life a little easier. Avoid all alcohol and caffeine for at least three to four hours before you plan on going to bed.

Exercising while you travel may seem daunting, but with a little planning it can be very easy to accommodate. Pack a pair of athletic shoes and some workout clothes, or put on your swimsuit and swim laps in the pool.

Even if you haven’t crossed any time zones, it can be difficult to adjust to your day-to-day routine after the fun and spontaneity of a vacation. This will also give you time to get organized before you jump back into being busy. [6] X Expert Source William Schroeder, MA, LPC, NCCLicensed Professional Counselor Expert Interview. 27 September 2021. If at all possible, try to return to work on a Tuesday. That way you’ll skip the hectic nature of a Monday workday and you’ll only have a four-day week to return to. If you plan on resuming work on a Tuesday, make sure you return home on Saturday or Sunday at the latest.

Try to see the enjoyable moments of your trip as part of a lifelong series of new experiences and lasting memories. Be grateful that you had the chance to experience your vacation. Remember that many people cannot afford to travel or are limited by other life factors.

By infusing your home life with elements of your trip, you can keep the excitement and sense of discovery alive wherever you live. Bringing back elements of your trip can also help you grow as a person and expand your sense of identity and culture. Just be sure that you’re respectful of the cultural elements you bring back, as appropriating certain elements of culture is generally considered offensive in many societies.

Give yourself at least 3 days before committing to any huge life decisions. You may find your everyday life not so horrible after settling back into a routine. Don’t rush into any big life changes, but do use the time after a vacation to reflect on what elements of your life you’d like to change. If there’s anything from your travels that you found especially relaxing or enjoyable, see if you can incorporate that into your day-to-day, like taking more breaks or having your coffee outside. [10] X Expert Source William Schroeder, MA, LPC, NCCLicensed Professional Counselor Expert Interview. 27 September 2021. Think about whether you feel challenged or appreciated at your current job. You can also reflect on whether you feel comfortable and “at home” in your current apartment, house, or neighborhood. Talk to close friends and family members before making any big decisions. Even if reassessing your life leads you to realize how happy you are with your current situation, you’ll have had a great epiphany that might make you feel more content. Talk to your doctor as well. You may be suffering from depression, which can affect your ability to adjust to life changes.

While it’s good to keep in contact with coworkers, you also shouldn’t be worrying about what’s happening at work the whole time you’re on vacation. Try to avoid contacting your coworker(s) until just before you leave to return home. That way you’ll be able to enjoy your time away while still getting a quick update to start planning for.

If you have an office, decorate your desk and/or your wall with some photographs of your trip. You can also bring little desk-top statues or a calendar with photos from your vacation. [14] X Research source If you don’t have your own office or desk, try bringing back something you can wear to work. Even with a strict dress code you might be able to get away with wearing a bracelet or necklace that will remind you of your trip.

If possible, schedule your vacation time immediately. Just the act of putting time aside for vacation next time is an act affirming that you will have vacation time again. Any time you find yourself feeling down, think about fun things you’d like to do on your next trip. You can even begin researching the things you’d like to see and do in your free time (but don’t do this at work or you may get in trouble).