Is It Normal to Feel Off After a Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

Have you ever felt a little out of sorts after coming home from a vacation? Maybe you feel more tired than usual, or you’re having trouble readjusting to your regular routine.

If so, you’re not alone. It’s actually quite normal to experience a “vacation hangover” of sorts after returning from a trip.

Why do we feel this way?

There are several reasons why we might feel off after a vacation. For starters, vacations often involve changes in our daily routine.

We might be staying up later than usual, sleeping in, or eating different types of foods. These changes can throw off our body’s internal clock and leave us feeling jet-lagged or groggy.

In addition to changes in routine, vacations can also be emotionally taxing. We might be dealing with stress related to travel logistics (like delayed flights or lost luggage), or we might be grappling with emotions related to leaving loved ones behind or returning to work and responsibilities.

Physical Symptoms:

Some common physical symptoms of post-vacation blues include:

– Fatigue
– Headaches
– Digestive issues
– Muscle tension

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after returning from a trip, try giving yourself some extra rest and self-care to help your body readjust.

Emotional Symptoms:

In addition to physical symptoms, post-vacation blues can also manifest as emotional symptoms like:

– Anxiety
– Irritability
– Sadness
– Difficulty concentrating

These feelings are completely normal and will likely subside as you settle back into your regular routine.

How can we combat post-vacation blues?

Fortunately, there are several things we can do to ease the transition back into our regular routines:

1. Give yourself time: Don’t expect to bounce back immediately after returning from a trip. It may take a few days (or even a week) to readjust.

2. Prioritize self-care: Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and staying hydrated.

3. Stay connected: Don’t isolate yourself after returning from a trip. Reach out to friends and loved ones for support.

4. Plan your next adventure: Having something to look forward to can help ease the post-vacation blues.

The Bottom Line:

Feeling a little off after a vacation is completely normal. Try not to stress about it too much and focus on taking care of yourself as you readjust to your regular routine. With a little time and self-care, you’ll be feeling like yourself again in no time.