Post-holiday depression: Why we have trouble getting back into routine

During vacation, stress hormone levels in the brain decrease, and when we reenter the hectic pace, our bodies struggle to return to their normal rhythms. Even after a brief escape, motivation often wanes and focus is lost in the first few days of returning. We can feel like a fish out of water. And even hearing the alarm clock in the morning can be annoying. This post-vacation mood can sometimes make us feel lazy or inadequate. However, this is perfectly natural. The human body and mind struggle to suddenly accelerate after periods of calm and require a period of adaptation.

To alleviate post-holiday blues, making your return a smoother one can be helpful. For example, rather than buying a return ticket midweek and immediately launching into the rhythm of a seven-day week, it's a good idea to use a few days as a time to adjust. Dedicating a day to rest upon returning home, immediately unpacking, and tidying up the house can help put both the environment and ourselves in order.

What can you do to ease the transition after your vacation? Take the first day back and try not to overwhelm yourself with everything at once. Take short walks in the evenings or make time for a favorite activity. Instead of diving into your to-do list as soon as you get home, unpack your suitcase and get organized. Create a morning routine to get back to work: coffee, a short meditation, or soft music. Establish a sleep and eating routine. Motivate yourself by dreaming about your next vacation, and don't forget to take short breaks along the way.

Even though the vacation is over, the rest doesn't have to stay in a suitcase.

A phone-free hour in the evening, repurposing a favorite hobby, rewarding yourself after work with a favorite dessert, or sharing coffee with a friend can all make the transition from vacation to routine more enjoyable and help the mind regain its sense of well-being. Rather than looking forward to the next vacation and feeling exhausted, regular mini-breaks can make each day a little more enjoyable, a mini-vacation.