TLDR: Going back to everyday life after a relaxing vacation can be tough, leading to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and a lack of motivation. But with these 5 tips from mental health professionals, you can overcome post-vacation depression and get back to feeling your best. Ease into your routine, get organized, take care of yourself, seek professional help, and practice gratitude. By following these strategies, you can beat the post-vacation blues and look forward to a bright future.

Are you feeling down after your vacation ended? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Post-vacation depression is a common phenomenon that occurs after the excitement and relaxation of a vacation comes to an end. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and a lack of motivation, and can be exacerbated by the transition back to everyday life and responsibilities.

But don’t despair! With some healthy coping skills, post-vacation depression can be managed and you can get yourself to a more optimistic mindset. Here are some tips from mental health professionals on how to prevent and overcome post-vacation depression:

Ease into your routine

Take an extra day off work, or come back a day early to start readjusting into your everyday life. This is a great time to tackle tasks like unpacking, cleaning, and grocery shopping which will help you feel more prepared for the week ahead. If possible, block an hour of your first day back to work on your calendar. Use this time at the start of your day to catch up on emails and to focus on your top priorities for the day or week ahead.

Get organized

Before leaving for vacation, try to tidy up and cross some of your normal chores off your list. It will be worth it to avoid coming back to a mess. Set out your work clothes before you unpack so they don’t get mixed up in the clothing explosion that tends to take over your closet post-vacation. Defer unpacking until you have time to put everything away properly. Pack your lunch and work bag the night before so you can just grab and go in the morning. You may feel more tired than usual the day after a trip.

Take care of yourself

Go to bed early or as soon as possible if returning late at night. Develop a personal mantra, such as “I’m smart, talented, physically appealing, and motivated.” Put some community-oriented plans on the calendar (giving you something to look forward to). Reach out and ask a friend about their end of vacation scaries and how they managed. Create a routine that incorporates some mindfulness (early in the morning or late in the evening). Allow yourself space to grieve the loss of a relaxing vacation coming to an end.

Seek professional help

If you’ve tried some of these tips and are still having a hard time overcoming post-vacation depression, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional. They can provide additional support and guidance to help you get through this difficult time. Don’t be afraid to seek help – it’s a brave and important step towards improving your mental health and well-being.

Practice gratitude

Focus on the things you enjoyed about your vacation and the positive experiences you had. Make a list of the things you’re grateful for in your life and read it regularly. Engage in activities that bring you joy and make you feel fulfilled. Take up a new hobby or pick up an old one. Plan your next vacation or long weekend. Volunteer and give back to your community. Try phototherapy for seasonal affective disorder. Set realistic goals for the future and expect to enjoy the year ahead.

By following these tips, you can overcome post-vacation depression and get back to feeling your best. Remember to be kind to yourself and take things one day at a time. With a little effort and some self-care, you can beat the post-vacation blues and look forward to a bright future.

If you’re seeking a more personalized approach to enhancing your quality of life, consider visiting my Personalized Self-Actualization website and signing up for a complimentary consultation.