Buzz
In a piece for NBC News, writer Sarah DiGiulio captured the all-too-familiar feeling of anxiety that hits after taking time off—often called the post-vacation blues. By Monday morning, you find yourself back at your desk, back in the office, and questioning whether your time off was even real.
DiGiulio further explains that much of this tension comes from the dramatic shift in daily routine. You went from lazy mornings, waking up at 11 a.m. with no pressing plans (maybe just searching for a comfy lounge chair) to waking up at the crack of dawn, urgently checking your email. As Dawna Ballard, Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Texas, explained to NBC News, 'That shift is a point of friction, and it is frequently experienced as gloom.'
Another, simpler reason is that your time is no longer your own to manage freely. You’re back to the regular grind, which, after a break, can feel much less exciting or stimulating. This is where having a well-thought-out post-vacation recovery plan can be a game changer—finding ways to ease back into things while adjusting to your regular routine.
Take some time to plan your return by scheduling a day off after your vacation. This simple step will help ease the transition back into your routine.
After a restful break, the last thing you want is to jump straight back into work. To make it easier on yourself, consider taking a buffer day following your trip. This can help you recover, especially if you're jet-lagged, and allow for a smoother re-entry into your work life. If needed, you could also ask to work from home to avoid the hassle of commuting.
If vacation days are limited, think about scheduling your trip so you return mid-week. That way, you’re only dealing with one or two workdays before the weekend hits. Plus, requesting an additional day off soon after could give you something to look forward to and break up the routine.
Clear out tasks that you find tedious before your vacation so that you can fully enjoy your time off and return home with fewer responsibilities to handle.
Returning from vacation can be tough when you’re faced with chores like laundry or cleaning. To make the transition smoother, try completing some of these tasks before you leave. Additionally, finish up any work assignments that have been lingering so you don’t return to a full plate. Taking care of these items before your trip will make your return more enjoyable and less stressful.
Make adjustments to your routine during the initial week back
If the repetitiveness of your daily life is weighing on you, it might be the perfect moment to shake things up a bit, even if just temporarily. A change, no matter how small, can make the transition back after a vacation feel less abrupt by introducing something new into your routine. For example, after returning from a trip, I decided to start my mornings at the gym at 6am for a few days—partly due to jet lag, but also because I wasn’t quite ready to dive back into my normal schedule. It was a subtle adjustment, yet it significantly lifted my spirits. The possibilities are endless: perhaps meeting up with a friend on an unusual day or shifting your lunch hour. It doesn’t need to be a life-altering decision, just one that allows for a smoother transition post-vacation.
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