Cover (Photo: Getty Images)
(Photo: Getty Images)
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While vacations are good for our mental health, a slump typically follows—here are some ways to get over this emotional phenomenon
Let’s face it, returning to work after a relaxing getaway hits hard. Many studies—such as the Journal of Occupational Health study entitled Do We Recover from Vacation? Meta-analysis of Vacation Effects on Health and Well-being—have shown how vacations positively affect health and well-being. However, although these effects have improved during the vacation, it doesn’t last long once we return to the office, disappearing within a few weeks.
Similarly, Stress & Health’s October 2012 research article titled Effects of Short Vacations, Vacation Activities and Experiences on Employee Health and Well-Being concluded that although short vacations positively affect employee health and well-being, the effect “faded out rather quickly”.
While post-vacation blues is not a clinically recognised diagnosis, it happens to the best of us and shows up in multiple ways. Some ‘symptoms’ include worry, fatigue, lack of concentration, restlessness and nostalgia. These symptoms tend to fade over time but if you’re looking for ways to help cope, there are some practices you can do. Below, we share five ways to beat this emotional phenomenon.
In case you missed it: Destinations less than 3 hours’ flight from Singapore for a quick escape
1. Give yourself time to readjust after returning from holiday
Above Give yourself time to readjust after returning from holiday
(Photo: Getty Images)
Give yourself time to readjust after returning from holiday (Photo: Getty Images)
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It can be tiring to return from vacation and immediately start work. Instead of overloading yourself with chores and work as soon as you return, take a day to transition and readjust. This can help you recalibrate, recharge and mentally get back into routine.
2. Plan an activity to look forward to
Above Plan an activity to look forward to (Photo: Getty Images)
Plan an activity to look forward to (Photo: Getty Images)
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One reason why many of us get the blues when we return from holiday is because we don’t have anything exciting to look forward to. Combat this by planning an activity with loved ones ahead of your return—this can be meeting up with close friends or having a meal with loved ones.
3. Start a journal
Above Start a journal (Photo: Getty Images)
Start a journal (Photo: Getty Images)
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According to Booking.com, 45 per cent of travellers revisit photos from their vacations to help reignite the holiday spirit. Consider writing down a few entries from your travels to help you remember your experiences, helping you relive happy moments when you return.
4. Prioritise yourself
Above Prioritise yourself (Photo: Getty Images)
Prioritise yourself (Photo: Getty Images)
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According to Booking.com, 68 per cent of travellers believe that they turn into the “best version of themselves” while on vacation. Instead of just embracing your best self while on vacation, you can incorporate this mindset when you return too. Recognise the importance and self-care and prioritise your own well-being both at home and abroad.
5. Clean your home before leaving for your trip
Above Clean your home before leaving for your trip (Photo: Getty Images)
Clean your home before leaving for your trip (Photo: Getty Images)
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No one likes coming home to a messy house after a relaxing vacation. While cleaning your house may be the last thing on your mind before leaving for a trip, a clean home can help provide you with a more positive mindset when you return. A 2011 study by The Journal of Neuroscience explains how we get overwhelmed when there are too many things going on at the same time—making it hard to focus on one particular task.
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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
