How to “Survive” Returning to Work After a Vacation

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Practical Tips to Support Your Post-Vacation Transition

Written By: Volha Shelepava

Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be to return to your usual routine after a vacation? You might feel apathy, irritability, and a lack of energy, even though you seemingly had a good rest.

If you look at the image above, everything becomes clearer! Returning from what's on the left to what's on the right... How can you not feel a bit down? That's why I want to share my ways to quickly bounce back.

Give Yourself a Buffer Day

If possible, don't schedule a workday immediately after arriving home. Give yourself a day to sleep off the jet lag from the plane or train, soak in the bath, restock the fridge, etc. It's like warming up a car before a long drive. On vacation, we usually slow down, and to "accelerate" back to our working state, it's advisable to give ourselves time to "warm up."

Plan Something Enjoyable for Your Return

Meeting friends, going to the cinema, visiting a massage therapist, getting a manicure and pedicure, going to your favorite restaurant - anything you choose! It's important for us to know that something good is waiting for us. Remember the anticipation of vacations as a child? Sometimes the anticipation was more enjoyable than the vacation itself. It's the same principle here. If I'm looking forward to something good upon returning home, there's simply no room for apathy.

Embrace the End of the Journey

This is more of a philosophical thought that helps me personally - a journey must have a beginning and an end. If one journey doesn't end, the next one can't begin. Imagine if you were stuck on your very first trip and all the others never happened. No, we don't want that! So breathe! Allow life to flow through you, to change and change you along with it.

Still Struggling with the Transition?

If you found those ideas interesting and want to explore coping strategies that would fit you the best or maybe explore work-life balance and difficulties to relax, book a free therapy consultation to see if we may be a good fit. You can do so by following this link and finding my name. I look forward to accompanying you on your journey!