After a long vacation returning to your daily routine can feel daunting. The sudden shift from leisurely days to a packed schedule often leads to the "post-vacation blues", a feeling of sadness or lethargy that makes it hard to stay motivated.
In April and May I was walking for 2 month, and got into a routine of waking up, pack - eat - hike - sleep - repeat. I had a goal for every day, and enjoyed being away from everyday problems and tasks (and, let's be honest: people).
But often when we come back from a holiday like the camino, you don't know what comes next. You get up, and there's no special end goal for your day. On the first few days I woke up and wanted to start packing my backpack, but it was not there, it was hard to get back to reality. Sometimes I woke up in the middle of the night and had to check where I am. I also had to get back to my old routine, wake up, go to work and sit for 9 hours in an office instead of being out in nature.
But with the right strategies, you can beat these blues and keep the vacation vibe alive while staying productive. Here’s how to stay motivated and energized after your holiday.
Reflect on positive memories
One of the best ways to combat post-vacation blues is by reflecting on the positive memories from your trip. Take time to go through your photos, share stories with friends, or even create a travel journal. Reliving those happy moments can lift your spirits and remind you that you can always make more wonderful memories in the future.
Set new goals inspired by your journey
Your vacation likely provided new experiences, insights, or inspiration. Use this fresh perspective to set new personal or professional goals. Whether it’s learning a new skill or language, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or planning your next trip, having goals to work toward can reignite your motivation and provide a sense of direction.
Create a mini-vacation routine
Incorporate elements of your vacation into your daily life to keep the relaxed vibe going. If you enjoyed morning walks on the beach or in the mountains, consider starting your day with a walk in your local park. Loved the local cuisine? Try cooking similar dishes at home. If I love a food somewhere i try to google the recipe and prepare it at home again remembering not just the taste, but the people who I ate with. These small changes can make your routine feel less mundane and keep that vacation energy alive.
Plan short breaks or weekend getaways
Having another break to look forward to can help ease the transition back to work. Consider planning a weekend getaway or a day trip to explore a nearby town. Even short breaks can give you something to anticipate, keeping you motivated and energized. if you are like me and love to be outside, then look for a mountain or a lake and just enjoy the view.
Stay active and exercise
Physical activity is a powerful antidote to post-vacation blues. Exercise releases endorphins, which boost your mood and energy levels. Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga, staying active can help you shake off any lingering lethargy and keep you feeling positive. Making time for everyday walks definitely helped me a lot, not just to keep my daily step goals, but to cheer me up after a long day of sitting.
Reconnect with your social circle
After time away, reconnecting with friends and family can help you reintegrate into your regular life. Share your travel experiences, catch up on their news, and enjoy socializing. These interactions can uplift your mood and remind you of the support system you have at home. Leave some days if you can for these activities before going back to work.
Focus on self-care
Self-care is essential for maintaining your energy and motivation. Continue prioritizing your well-being by getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time to relax. Whether it’s indulging in a good book, enjoying a spa day, or simply taking a bath, self-care can help you feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle your responsibilities. Your brain can be overloaded will all the information you receive every day, so it needs a little care to clear out the thoughts and enjoy silence sometimes.
Tackle work with a fresh perspective
Returning to work doesn’t have to be a chore. Approach your tasks with a fresh perspective gained from your time off. Perhaps your vacation gave you new ideas or solutions to old problems. Sometimes best ideas are coming, when we take our eyes off the task. You can also meet new people, incorporate their different point of view on the world into your mindset and have a new perspective. Use this renewed outlook to approach your work creatively, making it more engaging and fulfilling. If you still remember how enthusiastic you were when you were hired for this position, then try to find this energy in yourself again.
Start your first day back midweek
If possible, schedule your return to work on a Wednesday or Thursday. A shorter workweek gives you time to adjust without immediately facing a full week of responsibilities. It also makes the weekend feel closer, offering a chance to recharge if needed. These few days are enough to catch up with colleagues and emails, and get back into your daily routine a little bit. If you woke up on holiday later, then use the first few free days to adjust your sleeping routine back to waking up early.
Prioritize and tackle tasks step-by-step
When you return, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a mountain of tasks and emails. Instead of trying to do everything at once, prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Tackle the most critical items first, and gradually work through the rest. Breaking down tasks into manageable steps can make your workload feel more achievable. Don’t push yourself too hard on your first day back. Take regular breaks to stretch, walk around, or grab a coffee. These small pauses can help prevent burnout and keep you energized throughout the day.
Practice gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool for combating negative emotions. Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for, whether it’s your recent vacation, your job, or the people in your life. Focusing on the positives can help shift your mindset and make the return to routine feel more manageable. I am personally grateful for the new people I met, and for the friendships, for getting more independent and see that I can solve any problems on the go, for seeing so many beautyful places that i will never forget.
Plan your next adventure
Sometimes, the best way to beat the post-vacation blues is to start planning your next adventure. It doesn’t have to be a big trip, just something that excites you and gives you something to look forward to. This could be anything from a weekend road trip to a visit to a local museum. Having a plan in place can keep you motivated and eager for what’s to come. I already knew I will have free time in August and October, so planned some more Spain and Italy for these periods.
The post-vacation blues are a common experience, but they don’t have to take over your life. By reflecting on positive memories, setting new goals, and maintaining a balanced routine, you can stay motivated and energized long after your holiday ends. Remember, it’s about integrating the best parts of your vacation into your everyday life, ensuring that the relaxation and joy you experienced continue to fuel your motivation. If you have any extra tips don't hesitate to share, it can be useful for all of us :)
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