Have you ever felt down or unmotivated to work after returning from a vacation or a long holiday like Songkran or New Year? Thairath Online introduces Vacation Blues, the post-holiday depression, along with ways to cope and refresh your spirit to get back to work with enthusiasm.
Returning froma long holidayalways seems to shrink the heart... If you find yourself reluctant to get out of bed, easily irritated, or unable to concentrate after an amazing trip, you might be experiencing Vacation Blues, the post-holiday depression. Let's understand its causes and learn how to properly handle it to turn sadness into inspiration for work.
Vacation Blues, or Post-holiday blues, is an emotional condition that occurs after a period of happiness or rest ends. It typically involves feelings of emptiness, sadness, fatigue, or anxiety when returning to daily routines. Although not a severe psychiatric disorder, if left unaddressed, it can affect work performance and personal relationships.
Avoid scheduling your trip until the very last minute. Try to arrive home at least one day before going back to work to let your body rest, unpack, clean your home, and allow your mind to slowly "land" back into reality.
Facing hundreds of emails or a mountain of work can spike stress levels. It's recommended to write a to-do list for your first day back before your holiday ends, so you can see the overall picture and start with the easiest tasks first.
During vacations, we might eat heavily and stay up late. Returning to a routine of nutritious meals, drinking plenty of water, and going to bed early helps balance brain chemistry and energy levels, reducing irritability from accumulated fatigue.
Instead of feeling sad that the trip is over, try organizing photos into an album, writing down memorable stories, or placing small souvenirs on your desk to remind you that work is the path to your next joyful journey.
Research shows that "anticipating a holiday" brings more happiness than the holiday itself. Looking for your next travel destination or planning fun weekend activities can give you goals and motivation for life.
Vacation Blues is a common experience for everyone. The important thing is to allow yourself to "feel sad" and "adjust." Don't pressure yourself to be 100% productive on your first day back. By taking time to reset and care for your body, your usual brightness and full work energy will return.