Why do I feel worse after a vacation?

Stress at work, dissatisfaction with life, and lack of relaxation while vacationing can all cause post-vacation depression. To cope with post-vacation blues, try easing back to your normal routine, planning your next vacation, and addressing work stress.



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From flu-like symptoms to digestive tract upsets, feeling ill post-vacation affects up to 80 percent of returning travelers, says Dr. Ashima Oza, a primary care physician and an instructor in the Division of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Although being on vacation may help to relieve stress and improve mood, the positive effects may not always last on returning home. People may experience emotional discomfort, nostalgia, or an increase in stress when returning to their regular routine, work, or studies.

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Post-vacation syndrome is not an official disorder, but someone can experience depressed mood, distress, insomnia, irritability, and fatigue after a vacation. Basically, the return to the home environment and/or the re-direction of life after periods of leisure (time off work, holidays, traveling etc.)

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The end of a vacation can cause anxiety because of what it represents: the end of freedom and fun and a return to the daily grind.

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The survey results show that it takes three days to fall back into a regular routine after a week abroad and four days for two weeks off. Jet-lag can cause several restless nights when returning from vacation, and it can take up to two nights to recover a regular sleep schedule.

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The relief of freedom from responsibility that is often experienced on vacation can then make returning to them much more overwhelming, with the full weight of them returning all at once. Many may even come back from vacation with more work to do than when they left, due to work or school demands.

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In general, post-vacation blues will wear off over time. It usually takes a few days, but in extreme cases, the mood can last for several weeks before wearing off.

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Post-vacation depression is feeling sad or down after your vacation is over. You can cope by slowly returning to your normal routine or talking to your manager about work stress. Sometimes post-vacation blues may be part of a mental health condition like major depression or an anxiety disorder.

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Take time to decompress
It is just as important to reset your mind after your vacation as it is to reset your body. Take time to unwind and process all the unique experiences you had. Unpack and unclutter your house, but don't make your to-do list the first week back home too long.

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The University of Pittsburgh's Mind-Body Center found that taking vacation increases positive emotions and reduces depression. And spending time in nature has been shown to reduce negative rumination and improves overall psychological wellbeing.

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People with travel anxiety may experience unease, a rapid heart rate, or sweating while traveling. They may feel anxious while taking certain forms of transportation, being in an unfamiliar place, or experiencing the unknown.

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The best way to recover after a long travel day
  1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Travel, especially on a plane, can be dehydrating. ...
  2. If you're not napping, stay engaged. ...
  3. Keep your blood flowing. ...
  4. Start moving ASAP. ...
  5. Get outside. ...
  6. Refuel with something satisfying or healthy. ...
  7. Prioritize rest. ...
  8. Take a shower or steam.


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