Do you feel low after a break or as you come towards the end of a holiday? You’ll be glad to know you’re not alone. Although not clinically recognised, research suggests that a whopping 57% of British travellers experience post-holiday blues with symptoms including:
- Feeling stressed and/or anxious
- Feeling sad or low
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Inability to focus and get motivated back into your usual routine
- Trouble sleeping
Interestingly, most people feel happier before their holiday due to excitement and anticipation rather than after their holiday when they go back to reality. You’d imagine they would be relaxed and reflecting on their happy times but, instead, they feel a sense of sadness that it’s over. I can relate to that, so I’ve found lots of useful ways for you to prevent and cure post-holiday blues.
Before you go
Get those jobs done Leave your home tidy and get as many jobs done as you can before you go away. That way, you won’t come back to lots of housework and chores that will further emphasise the differences between how you felt on holiday and the reality of everyday life.
During your holiday
Relax! Although it’s tempting to make the most of every day, people who go on relaxing holidays have a higher sense of wellbeing when they return. Make sure you schedule some downtime when you’re away rather than cram lots of activities in.
Hit the souvenir shops Buy yourself a small memento to cheer up your day when you’re back to your regular routine. I usually find a nice bracelet, a pair of earrings or a little ornament for my office. There was also a time when I found a shop full of beautiful cat-themed handbags. I don’t think my husband will take me away there again (he doesn’t really ‘get’ me and my handbags) but you get what I mean.
Back home
Don’t put pressure on yourself Take a day or two to transition back to your routine and relax when you get home. Don’t head back to work on Monday if your flight returns on Sunday night; tempting though that may be.
Find plenty of things to look forward to Planning things to do when you’re back will mean you always have something to feel excited about. This could be something big like planning your next holiday, or less expensive like seeing friends for dinner or having a nice day out. Just because you’re not on holiday any more doesn’t mean the fun and adventures have to stop.
Continue the spirit of your holiday You can find new recipes or restaurants so you can have some of the dishes you ate while you were away, watch movies you saw on the plane or create yourself a playlist with your favourite holiday music. How about keeping up with something fun you discovered on holiday too, such as salsa dancing, trekking or horse riding? You might be surprised how much there is to try in your local area.
Keep the happy memories alive Looking at holiday photos and videos periodically will help you find a sense of closure and remind you that there will be a ‘next time’ too.
Practice gratitude This is easier said than done, but altering your mindset so you feel grateful that you had a holiday, rather than sad that it’s ended, is really powerful. It’s easy to yearn to be back on holiday, but finding things you’re grateful for at home, such as your own comfy bed, your favourite brand of tea or being with your pets, can also help. You can even list them and see how many you can find.
Do you need further help?
From what I’ve read when researching this article, post-holiday blues should go away in a few days. If your feelings don’t improve, you may need to seek professional help as it could be a sign that something else is causing them or you may have clinical depression. The NHS gives some useful advice, including contact numbers if you need support.