Reclaiming Reality: 8 Expert-Approved Tips to Ease Post-Vacation Blues

Give Yourself Time to Recharge

After the thrill of adventure, it’s essential to build a buffer between the end of your vacation and the restart of work. Aim for a 2-day transition period to recover from the vacation high and slowly adjust back to your normal life, advises Pam Costa, a holistic psychologist.

Manage Your Return to Work

To ease back into your workload and reduce stress, Courtney Glashow, LCSW, a psychotherapist, suggests blocking off your calendar to avoid meetings and giving yourself time to catch up on emails.

Get Your Life Back on Track

To avoid the stress of looming chores, unpack and do laundry as soon as possible. Consider getting your groceries delivered for the week to save time and energy. Don’t forget to restock your fridge and pantry to maintain a sense of normalcy.

Return to Your Healthy Habits

Eat normally to improve your energy levels and regain a sense of routine. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to combat dehydration and lingering fatigue.

Rekindle Intimacy

Getting back to your regular routine can also mean rekindling intimacy with your partner or yourself. Research shows that maintaining a healthy sex life can lead to increased engagement and happiness at work.

Plan for Future Pleasure

Before leaving your vacation, make sure you have a plan for future pleasure. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, planning a night out with friends, or scheduling a relaxing bath, having something to look forward to can help alleviate post-vacation blues.

When the Blues Won’t Go Away

If you’re still struggling to adjust after two weeks, it may be time to seek professional help. A trained mental health expert can help you work through your feelings and develop a plan to overcome post-vacation depression.

Take Control of Your Post-Vacation Routine

By incorporating these expert-approved tips into your post-vacation routine, you can ease the transition back to reality and maintain a sense of excitement and adventure in your daily life.