How to combat post-vacation Blues/Depression
Vacation’s over and Depression takes Over
How to combat post-vacation Blues/Depression
How to combat post-vacation Blues/Depression
People let’s be real!! for a person who loves to travel, there is nothing more depressing than when your vacation is about to end or has just ended and you must return home. It’s such a bitter-sweet feeling, “you are down to the end of the lollipop and the inedible, stick is all that remains”. You must face the reality of going back to your home, workplace, maybe crazy family life and or a boring/hectic routine, you refer to as your LIFE!! I will therefore, share with you some ways, to combat your post-vacation blues/depression.
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The few good things to look forward to when returning Home
If you are one of those people who are excited to get back home after a vacation then you are weird, seriously, that’s just my view. I have not met such a person yet in all my travels. Maybe you just went on a quick getaway and have pets or children awaiting you at home. Then, this may be, understandable, somewhat.
For me, there are only 3 good reasons I may feel comforted to get back home from vacation.
- To use my bathroom once again (everyone knows there is only one happy throne…and it’s at home, lol).
- Once again, sleep in my bed, (there is no sweeter sleep than in your bed).
- Nothing like enjoying a home-cooked meal.
That’s it…short and sweet!! There are no other good reasons for returning home from a vacation…except for the fact that you are home safely.
The Post-vacation Blues of a Traveller
At the airport awaiting your flight back to your country, the weight of sadness begins to take hold of you, as a matter of fact, the day before when you are re-packing, the self-pity and “I wish life was different” thoughts swirl in your head. “Why the hell am I not rich, so I can travel non-stop!?” why do I have to go homeee??!!. Yes!! we all whine internally. The flight home is the most depressing and least fun thing to do, it is never an enjoyable ride at all. No matter how short the flight might be it feels like a very long and dreary ride back to reality.
In my case, as the plane lands, there is never any haste to get off the plane. As I walk towards baggage collection, on seeing other passengers going the opposite way to get their flights, I think to myself ..look at these lucky bastards!!! Lol. As far as I see it, this is part of the package that comes with travelling. Its how you cope and deal with it that matters most.
If you are somewhat like me, you will return from your vacation a bit slimmer and more tired and irritated than when I left, this is due to all the exploring I do on my vacations. If your flight is a long one back to your country, then its likely jetlag is going to set in, and you will be tired and irritated when you arrive home.
Things to do immediately on return from your vacation
- Check your Credit card and Bank statement online (if you have online access).
- Deal with emails esp. the important ones that need immediate attention.
- Check your phone for important messages or voice mails, then turn your phone off or on silent (to screen your calls), you need the time for yourself.
- Take care of you and only you.
- Re-acclimatize yourself to your time zone. If you arrive in the day, whether you were in a different time zone or not, (if you arrive in the day, do not sleep until night, if night then try to get some sleep).
- Put your feet up and relax. This is because you took the necessary steps to plan your vacation well before leaving, you have returned to a clean and clutter-free house with groceries.
10 Things to Combat the Post-Vacation Blues
Post vacation blues leading to depression is a very real and serious issue that many travellers around the world experience. However, we all must find ways to combat this issue, and recover quickly, and move on with your life. Here are 10 things you can do to:
- Return at least 2 days early before going back out to work, you need this time to re-settle your nerves and have some much-needed alone time.
- Focus on the great vacation you had and had the opportunity to travel. Also, the new acquaintances you have made. This will push the vacation blues away, somewhat.
- Psyche up yourself for what is waiting for you back in the office, this is part of your reality check.
- Know that not everyone will empathize or sympathize with your post-vacation stress/blues. Many will look at you with some sort of disdain because they want to travel too but can’t.
- Buy or cook (if you have the energy) your favorite, comfort meal, it will bring back welcoming feeling to you, (on my flight back home I am always thinking of Fish Broth. It is my comfort food, it helps).
- Re-live your vacation by writing your reviews of hotels, sites, airlines and restaurants on Trip Advisor (if you have an account or join) while the memories are still fresh.
- Review your vacation photos and reminisce or share them on your favorite social site.
- Link up or chat with your new acquaintances who may help you take your mind off your post-vacation blues.
- Get back online, visit Google (for countries safety checks), Trip Advisor and Booking.com (#Ad) and start looking and comparing prices for some new potential destinations to visit ..yes you heard me right!! This should have been my no.1 suggestion because it does help. Even if you know you cannot afford another vacation any time soon. Try it…trust me it works wonders. It gives you a sort of hope for the future and something to focus on and work towards in the future.
- Place your vacation souvenirs where they can be most visible to you, to hold on to the memories of your vacation.
With these 10 steps, you will be back to normal, within a week. I hope this post was helpful in some way as to how to combat post-vacation blues/depression.
I want to hear from those of you, WHO LOVE TO TRAVEL, and can identify with what I wrote. I would love to hear more so from those who are excited to get back home after a vacation. Leave your experiences in the comments below.
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Absolutely love this website. Very helpful comments and advice. Beautiful pictures, I feel like I have been to all those destinations. I plan on reading your blog every week. You go girl! Hope you travel again soon. That’s your happy place!
Hi Liz..thanks for the kind sentiments.. appreciate!! I am happy to hear that you are enjoying the site..I am happy to share also…thanks for the support 🙂
Traveling from Italy to France , we stopped in Switzerland. Going from Switzerland to France we stopped in a hotel that was not as good. Make sure when you book a hotel, it is a 5 star hotel in Europe. 3 star does not do the job for you. We live in the USA , we are use to 5 star hotel with all the luxury. Make sure the vacation is going to suit you. going home is always bittersweet although we love our home…always wish for longer vacation
got you Hamid..there are some good 3 stars in Europe if you choose wisely.. we all wish for longer vacations.. thanks for the feedback
Hello, i like writting and very good! I hope in the best for you and good traveller !!..i wish I can travel to caribbean forever..
Thanks Xaris.. you are welcome anytime you are ready.. but not forever.. you must go home.. lol
I love travelling, but I don’t think I love it like you Cory. “Vacation blues”!! No, no Cory, I look forward to coming home after vacation. I guess because of the length of time I am out. Love the writings though. Quite interesting.
Finally someone who hate travel..lol. kidding..Hi Camiel..glad to hear from someone who cant wait to get back home..if you eat, sleep and dream of travelling, you will not want to lol..but I do understand..NOT..lol thanks for the kind words nonetheless..happy to hear from you..
How are u..i like you writing .. i go vacation , even though i like go home I dont want to go because i love beautiful coutries and see nice ladies. haha
Hi Al.. happy to hear you like my writing.. its all about the girls why you don’t want to go home. lol.. thanks for sharing.
Hi Its interesting writing. I have never left more than 10 days.. sometimes i wish i stay longer, going home is 50/50
Well I can tell you either don’t LOVE travel or just do it by necessity if you never left home for more than 10 days…however 50/50 is good way to keep it balance and not get the blues like I do. still thanks for responding.. 🙂
I feel what you are saying.. I love my home yes.. but .. the minute I go on vacation i wish it never ends.. the drive home is always the most depressing . Lovely writing and beautiful photo as usual.
I agree the drive home is really sad..of course we love our homes ..but it will be better to use it every 2 weeks, every 2 months to sleep only and fly for the rest of time.. lol ..thanks Xa!!
I know exactly what you are talkin about.. i never want to go home..i wish i can be on vacation forever. beautiful foto cory.
duh!! me too lol.. vacations should be the short time we spend at home.. lol.. thanks Emre