Research shows that having a holiday is beneficial to restore energy and increase passion. However, not all people can feel happy or refreshed after having a vacation. For some people, they might be having post-holiday blues and suffering from depression and mood deprivation when the holiday is over. Therefore, if you or your loved ones are feeling sad or depressed after having a vacation, it’s important to know several simple habits to feel productive again if experiencing post holiday blues. 

Holiday Blues Meaning

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Post holiday blues is a psychological condition that often appears when someone just gets back from vacation. There are several signs from this condition, which are:

• Feeling sad when the holiday ends.
• Feeling stressed and anxious when returning to daily activities.
• Losing motivation and focus.
• Experiencing insomnia.
• Mood is getting worse.
• Frequently daydreaming.
• Feeling empty and exhausted.
• Easily irritated and frustrated.
• Decreased self-confidence.

Trigger factors may vary, but the most common ones are changes in environment, physical and mental fatigue, to the disappointment of returning to a monotonous routine. After enjoying some time off and getting away from the routine, a person can find it difficult to return to the more serious tasks of daily life, resulting in the post-holiday blues.

How to Cope with Holiday Blues to Feel Productive Again

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If you’re experiencing post-holiday blues, there are several steps you can take to help manage feelings of sadness. Here are some strategies you can try: 

1. Start Conversations with Family or Friends

To cope with post-holiday blues, starting conversations with family or close friends can be a very helpful first step. Sharing your feelings and experiences with loved ones can be an effective way to ease the emotional burden you may feel after returning from a holiday.

Support from those closest to you can help you feel stronger and more prepared to face upcoming challenges, making the transition back into daily routines feel easier and more manageable.

2. Engage in Activities Outside the Home

Spending time outside the home can be an effective solution for overcoming post-holiday blues. Enjoying fresh air and changing your surroundings can help distract you from feelings of sadness that may arise after a vacation ends.

Taking a walk in a park, visiting the beach, or exploring nearby places can boost positive energy and improve your overall mood. Make time for outdoor activities as part of your effort to restore emotional and mental balance after the holidays.

3. Make a Conscious Choice to Focus on the Positives

It’s very easy to fall into the mindset of thinking, “I have to go back to work and I don’t want to,” and many of us have been there before. This kind of thinking can strongly affect how we feel, because our emotions often reflect the thoughts we hold onto. Try shifting your perspective to something more positive, such as, “I get the opportunity to start a new project and connect with colleagues I’ve been wanting to know better.” 

People who habitually dwell on negative thoughts or assume everything will be difficult are more likely to experience post-holiday blues or even deeper feelings of sadness. By being intentional and choosing to focus on the positive, you can help improve your mood and outlook.

4. Exercise

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to overcome post-holiday blues. Physical activity helps stimulate the production of endorphins, often referred to as the body’s “happy hormones.” Engaging in your favorite forms of exercise such as jogging, cycling, or yoga can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall mood.

In addition to boosting emotional well-being, exercise also provides physical benefits that help you feel more energized and refreshed. By scheduling regular workouts into your daily routine, you can regain motivation and enthusiasm as you ease back into everyday life after the holidays.

5. Try Something New

Trying new activities, such as cooking, can help ease post-holiday blues. Cooking encourages creativity and focus, which can distract your mind from feelings of emptiness after a vacation.

Moreover, cooking can bring a sense of accomplishment that lifts your mood. Learning new recipes or creating delicious dishes can be both enjoyable and rewarding, helping reduce gloomy feelings and improve emotional well-being.

6. Make Activity Plans

Creating plans for enjoyable and meaningful activities after the holidays can help restore direction and purpose as you return to your routine. Plan social gatherings with friends or family, schedule time for hobbies you enjoy, or arrange visits to places you’ve been wanting to explore.

Having a calendar filled with activities you look forward to can boost your motivation and excitement, making it easier to approach post-holiday days with a more positive and productive mindset.

7. Prioritize Self Care 

During the holidays, our healthy habits are often being forgotten because some people want to make the best of it. If you want to feel your best physically and emotionally, it’s time to resume a regular bedtime with sufficient sleep each night, and get back to a healthy, nutritional diet without the excess sugar, carbohydrates, and alcohol that seem to co-exist with holiday celebrations. Don’t forget to make plans for your next spell of time off to refuel and recharge your personal batteries.

8. Remember the Good Times

Since holidays are usually filled with enjoyable moments, it helps to hold onto those positive experiences. You can celebrate the good times by creating a photo album, a playlist, or a memory board, allowing you to revisit happy moments whenever you’re having a tough day.

9. Seek Professional Help

If the sad or depressed feeling persists and hinders your daily activity, it’s important to consider seeking professional help. Since attending a psychotherapy or counseling session can give you the tools needed to cope with post holiday blues effectively. In therapy sessions, you can talk freely about your feelings and what you experienced after holidays. Therapists can also help you identify a mindset that might be worsening the depression. Thus giving a strategy and tactic to overcome the challenge.