You’ve just opened the door to your home after a relaxing and memorable trip. Maybe you went to the Bahamas, or to a ski resort, either way, the last thing you want to be thinking about is heading to work.
To help achieve a proper work-life balance, vacations are necessary, and we often look forward to them, possibly even dreaming about them throughout the year.
However, returning to work after a long and restful vacation can be quite challenging. When returning to work, stress can take a toll on your productivity and overall well-being.
In this article, we will explore the causes of post-vacation stress, ways to deal with it, and what to do if you feel like it’s time for a career change.
What Are Post-Vacation Blues?
Post-vacation blues are a temporary condition characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Post-vacation depression may seem just like a silly annoyance or even laziness. However, jumping straight back into work may be really difficult for some of us, and it’s something to take seriously.
It can also manifest as a sense of detachment from your surroundings, making it difficult to engage in day-to-day activities.
It’s a common experience that many people go through after a long vacation.
Understanding what you can do to get back in the groove of work is essential, so you don’t overwhelm yourself when you return from your time off.
Causes of Post-Vacation Stress
The sudden shift in routine can be the most significant cause of post-vacation stress. You go from a state of relaxation and no stress to the fast-paced world of work, where deadlines, meetings, and other stressors exist. You need to get back into working as a team, rather than relaxing as an individual.
It can be a jarring transition and can take some time to adjust.
Additionally, the feeling of disappointment that the vacation is over can lead to post-vacation stress.
You may have had high expectations for your vacation and feel let down that it’s over. Jet lag or travel fatigue can also contribute to post-vacation stress.
Ways to Deal With Post-Vacation Depression
Many of us may not recognize stress or know how to deal with it. We may just try to sweep it under the rug. In fact, in the United States, according to a 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association, 3 in 5 employees say they experience work-related stress.
When going back to work, stress is very real, even after a nice relaxing time off. If you feel anxious about going back to work, or have returned and are having a tough time motivating yourself, don’t worry, there are some things you can do.
Here are some strategies that can help you ease the transition back to work and deal with post-vacation blues. Many of these can also be applied if you have had a gap in employment for health, personal, or other reasons.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Don’t expect to return to your regular work schedule the day you get back from vacation. Give yourself time to adjust to the routine and the workload.
It’s important to be realistic about what you can accomplish in the first few days or even the first week back at work.
If you are working remotely rather than in the office, try to help yourself with a new routine between waking up and starting work. It can help you move into the ‘work frame of mind’.
2. Plan Ahead
Before you go on vacation, it’s essential to plan ahead to help reduce the stress of returning to work. Here is where you need to put into practice those tried and tested organizational skills.
This can include setting up automated email responses, delegating tasks to colleagues, or tidying your workspace so that you can come back to an organized environment.
3. Practise Self-Care
It’s essential to prioritize your mental and physical health, in your day-to-day life. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in physical activity.
This can help to boost your mood and energy levels, making it easier to transition back to work.
4. Chat With Your Co-Workers
Staying connected with your co-workers can help you feel more engaged and motivated at work. Take time to catch up with colleagues and share stories about your vacation.
This can help you feel more connected to your work environment and ease the transition back to work and having to later communicate efficiently with external stakeholders.
5. Get in Touch With Your Family and Friends
Now that you’re home, it’s important to meet up with your friends and family regularly. Your loved ones are a great distraction from the stress of work during your free time.
If you can talk or do something interesting together, you may feel much better.
Could Your Stress Be a Sign of Something Else?
While post-vacation blues are a normal and temporary response to the stress of returning to work, persistent stress can indicate that something more serious is going on.
You may need to start thinking about seeking professional help if you’re experiencing symptoms such as:
- Persistent sadness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
There’s nothing wrong with seeing a psychologist who can properly evaluate you and give you great advice.
It could also be a sign that you need to take a closer look at your work situation and consider if it’s time for you to draft your notice letter.
It May Be Time for a Career Change
A career change can be a significant decision, and it’s essential to take the time to evaluate your goals and make an informed decision.
If your post-vacation blues continue well beyond your return to work, and you’re dreading work, it may be time to make a change.
Consider what aspects of your job you enjoy, what you want to do more of, and what you want to avoid in your next position.
Research industries and companies that align with your career goals and seek advice from professionals in your desired field.
While making a career change can be daunting, it can also be a fulfilling experience. It’s a chance to pursue a career that aligns with your values and passions, and can ultimately lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Also, using online tools to help you understand how to write a resume can make the application process easier.
Whether you need to make a major career change or not, by following these tips, you can look forward to your next vacation. Maybe you can even look forward to the first days back home and at work.
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