Why Do I Feel Weird After Coming Home From Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

After a long-awaited vacation, it’s not uncommon to feel a little disoriented when returning home. This feeling can be described as post-vacation blues or even reverse culture shock. Here are a few reasons why you might be feeling weird after coming home from vacation.

Jet Lag

One of the most common reasons for feeling out of sorts after a vacation is jet lag. Jet lag occurs when you travel across multiple time zones, and your body’s internal clock is thrown off. Your sleep patterns are disrupted, and you may feel tired during the day or have trouble sleeping at night.

Tips to reduce jet lag:

  • Adjust your sleep schedule before leaving for vacation.
  • Stay hydrated before, during, and after your flight.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine during your flight.
  • Get plenty of rest before leaving for vacation.

Culture Shock

Another reason why you might feel weird after coming home from vacation is culture shock. Culture shock occurs when you experience a different way of life than what you’re used to. This can include differences in language, food, customs, and social norms.

Symptoms of culture shock:

  • Feeling homesick or lonely.
  • Difficulty sleeping or eating.
  • Anxiety or irritability.
  • Mood swings or depression.

Tips to cope with culture shock:

  • Talk to someone about your experiences.
  • Take time to adjust back to your normal routine slowly.
  • Stay connected with friends and family back home while on vacation.

Nostalgia

Finally, it’s common to feel nostalgic after returning from a fantastic holiday. You may miss the experiences you had and the people you met. This is entirely normal, and it’s okay to take some time to reflect on your travels.

Tips to deal with nostalgia:

  • Look through photos from your trip.
  • Write about your experiences in a journal.
  • Plan your next vacation.

In conclusion, feeling weird after coming home from vacation is a natural response to the changes you’ve experienced. With time, rest, and some self-care, you’ll be back into the swing of things in no time.