AUTUMN
2022
Re-entry syndrome: 5 ways to overcome the post vacation blues
Traveling is an extremely beneficial activity for mental and physical health. Unfortunately, however, all those positive feelings we experience when we are on vacation begin to fade as soon as we board the return flight and risk falling victim to the so-called re-entry syndrome.
Do you know? That feeling, a mixture of despair and sadness, of when we come home from a fabulous journey and we struggle to re-acclimate to everyday life.
The post-vacation blues, or return syndrome, can be more or less severe, depending on how intense and long the travel experience was, and is characterized by an overall decrease in well-being and work productivity following a satisfying vacation.
Symptoms of the post-vacation blues include frequent urge to cry upon returning, tiredness, boredom, nostalgia, anxiety, and stress.
Having to return to the routine of work, school, and everyday life in general can in fact be a source of anguish, disorientation, and discomfort.
But as unpleasant as it may be, this re-entry syndrome can be overcome with a little determination, self-care, and a few tricks.
Here are 5 tips to overcome the post-vacation blues.
1. Plan your next trip
The happiest part of the holiday may not (only) be the holiday itself, but the moments that precede it.
According to a 2010 study, published in the journal Applied Research in Quality Of Life, just planning a trip can lead to greater feelings of happiness.
And if you have just returned from vacation and you have gone straight to work, know that you are not alone in wanting to buy back tickets and leave.
According to a Travelzoo survey, 69% of holidays are searched and booked during business hours.
So, what better way to get over your return sadness than to plan your next trip?
2. Reconnect with friends and family
When you return from a vacation you often feel the desire to have (or give) more meaning to your life. If you also feel these same emotions, then try to spend time with friends and family.
Also, consider reconnecting with old acquaintances to share a meal or conversation. By doing so, you may begin to feel your world taking shape again.
But why is it so important to spend time with loved ones?
Connection is an integral part of our life, and vacations are often a time of deep connection with those we visit or travel with.
So, maintaining a sense of connection once you get back to everyday life is key.
3. Do post-vacation detox
One of the best parts of a trip is the chance to try new foods and savor the last new tastes. When we are on vacation, it is normal, we do not look at the diet in the face.
And if we suffer from re-entry syndrome, it is likely that even on our return we will tend to give ourselves what we allowed ourselves on vacation: wine, fatty foods, and desserts of all kinds.
As such, trying a gentle food detox could help you feel better physically and mentally.
Usually, when you return from vacation your body will crave fruit and vegetables, so give it what it needs.
Take a break from the rich and heavy buffets by avoiding takeaways and preparing healthy dinners.
Preparing a meal in your own kitchen can really help get us back on track and get a healthier eating routine back on track.
4. Find time to relax
Sometimes it would take a vacation to recover from the vacation. Don't you agree?!
This is why once you have returned from your trip it is essential not to go back to work immediately, but on the contrary to find time to relax.
Sure, it's not always possible to find the time or resources to escape the daily grind, but there are simple ways to recreate a vacation home vibe.
A warm bath is a natural relaxant that can also reduce feelings of loneliness. Additionally, research shows that taking a short walk outdoors can lift your mood even when you least expect it.
Another tip to recreate those feelings of well-being we experience on vacation is to practice mindfulness and do breathing exercises. These exercises, in fact, can help you feel more in control of your life and better balance the rhythm of the days.
5. Frame and share your favorite photos
Once you have returned home and started with the usual routine again, take some time to look at all the photographs you have taken on vacation.
Waiting too long to review, download and share travel photos will make you run the risk of forgetting the rich details of the journey itself.
So instead of mourning the loss of those breathtaking views, relive your vacation by creating a photo album that reminds you of the best moments and why you love to travel.
Choose the most meaningful photos and frame them, or share them on social media.
Credits to Grazia.it