13The vacation is over, the suitcase has been unpacked, and you are back to your daily routine. However, instead of feeling refreshed and energized, you may feel lazy, sad, or even empty. If you have ever experienced this, chances are you are dealing with post-holiday blues.
This condition is quite common and experienced by many people, especially after a long vacation or a very enjoyable trip. Unfortunately, these feelings can make it hard to focus at work, reduce motivation, and even leave you feeling emotionally drained.
But don’t worry. This condition is normal and can be managed with the right approach. If you are curious to learn more, let’s dive into the full explanation in this article.
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Post-holiday blues is a temporary emotional condition that appears after someone returns from a vacation and has to face everyday routines again. This condition is often marked by feelings of sadness, low energy, a lack of enthusiasm, or a loss of the positive mood felt during the holiday.
Even so, this condition is not considered a serious mental disorder. This is because it is more of a natural reaction of the body and mind to a significant change in atmosphere, such as moving from relaxed and enjoyable days back to work responsibilities or routine activities.
Anyone can experience post-holiday blues, whether you have just returned from an overseas trip, a short staycation, or a long family holiday.
People experiencing post-holiday blues may show different symptoms. However, some common signs that often appear include:
Post-holiday blues do not appear without reason. There are several factors that commonly trigger this condition, especially after an enjoyable vacation. Some of the causes include the following.
During a vacation, your schedule tends to be more flexible. You can wake up later, enjoy more downtime, and do things you truly like.
Once the vacation ends, your body and mind need to readjust to a more structured and demanding routine. This shift is often what triggers post-holiday blues.
Vacations are often filled with pleasant moments. In contrast, work routines can feel monotonous. This sharp contrast can leave you feeling an emotional “drop” once the holiday is over.
Without realizing it, vacations packed with too many activities can also trigger post-holiday blues. This happens because your body may not have fully rested, causing fatigue to surface only after you return home.
Some people also feel stressed after a vacation due to concerns about expenses, piled-up work, or their health condition after traveling. These worries can worsen post-holiday blues.
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Generally, post-holiday blues last for a few days up to one week. However, for some people, these feelings can persist for up to two weeks, depending on their mental and physical condition as well as the workload they face.
If feelings of sadness and lack of motivation last longer than two weeks and are accompanied by sleep disturbances or extreme emotional changes, you should be more cautious. In such cases, considering professional help may be a wise step.
After understanding the signs and causes, here are several ways you can try to overcome the post-holiday blues.
After a vacation, it is best not to jump straight into intense work or activities. You can take one or two days to readjust and transition more smoothly.
During this time, you can plan what you’ll do after your vacation ends.For instance, you can make a to-do list based on priority. This approach can help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by tasks that have piled up.
Sometimes, drastic lifestyle changes during a vacation can negatively affect your physical and mental well-being. Therefore, try to maintain healthy routines while traveling, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active.
Simple habits like these can help you feel refreshed and ready to face your routine after the holiday. As a result, post-holiday blues can be minimized.
In reality, no vacation is ever perfect. Try focusing on the positive moments you experienced during your trip, such as quality time with family or loved ones.
This way, you can view your vacation as a meaningful experience rather than a moment filled with pressure.
Before your vacation comes to an end, you can also try completing small tasks or creating a to-do list for work that needs to be done afterward. With better preparation, you will feel more ready to return to your routine.
Another way to overcome the post-holiday blues is to do fun activities that can refresh your mind and body. Examples include light exercise, spending time with friends, or listening to your favorite music. These activities can help maintain your mood and boost your enthusiasm as you return to your daily routine.
Don’t keep your feelings to yourself. Try sharing your holiday experiences or how you feel after the vacation ends with family members or close friends. By opening up to others, you can reduce emotional burdens and feel more relieved.
Try new activities to distract you from feelings of emptiness after a vacation. Some ideas include trying new recipes, learning a new hobby, or exploring activities that boost your creativity. New experiences like these can reignite your enthusiasm and help ease post-holiday blues.
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That wraps up the explanation of post-holiday blues, from its definition and signs to its causes and ways to overcome it, so you can better avoid this condition.
To help you enjoy your vacation with greater peace of mind and fewer worries, you may also consider Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia. This travel insurance provides protection against various risks that may occur during your trip, from medical emergencies to accidents.
With this insurance coverage, you can focus more on enjoying your vacation with greater peace of mind against unexpected travel risks. So, check out and get Travel Insurance for extra protection on your next journey only from MSIG Indonesia!
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