Six Tips on How to Deal with Post Vacation Blues

By: Heather Newgen

Nobody ever wants their vacation to end.

As much as I like my job, it’s always hard for me to come back from a trip. So, if you experience post vacation blues like me, here’s some tips:

Heather Newgen and her dog Murphy in Monterey, California

1. Plan your next trip—even if it’s just a quick weekend getaway. That always helps me get over being depressed about being home. When I start thinking about where I want to go next and how to budget for it, I get excited and almost instantly feel better. I do research on wherever it is I’m considering going, look up hotels/airbnbs and must see places and before I know it I’m heading on another adventure.

Carmel Photo by: Heather Newgen

2. Frame your favorite memory of your recent holiday. While the majority of us have our photos stored on social media, it’s fun to have a few pictures printed out and framed that are meaningful to us. It helps relive that unforgettable moment and helps get over those post vacation blues.

3. Come back a day early so you have time to adjust and mentally prepare to head back to work. I always stay at my destination to the very last second and arrive home late the night before work, which makes it even harder.

Carmel Photo by: Heather Newgen

4. Recreate your favorite meal from your trip. It helps bring back the memories from your vacation and boosts your mood.

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5. Unpack soonish after returning home. I know I dread unpacking my luggage because it means the trip is over, but the longer I wait to do it, the harder it is to get back into my normal routine. Seeing the unpacked bag can only prolong the post vacation blues.

6. Take some time out to relax. Yes, that’s probably what you were doing on your holiday, but it can be a harsh reality to return to a crazy schedule. Taking a hot bath or nice walk reduces the feeling of anxiety.