Author: Dian Dinarni (2200547), Laila Mahabbah Muzayyanah (2203370)
Vacation is a common reason for people to break free from routines, lose weight, and lose energy. However, after a vacation, people often experience a sense of restlessness, fatigue, or a need for motivation known as post-vacation blues. This condition can lead to a lack of regular activities, such as work, school, or personal life. Post-vacation blues is a phenomenon that many people experience without realizing what it is. It can range from depression, mental health issues, and various ways to recognize this condition and maintain focus after vacation. Post-vacation blues is a psychological condition that is common among many people, and it is essential to understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.
Post-vacation blues is an emotional or psychological condition experienced by individuals after returning from vacation, often characterized by a decrease in job satisfaction or satisfaction. During vacation, individuals often experience positive reinforcement, motivation, and increased job satisfaction, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and stress. Post-vacation blues is characterized by the condition where the improvement of job satisfaction and satisfaction experienced during vacation quickly improves after returning to regular routines. This is due to stress when returning to work, increased job satisfaction, and health issues that may occur during vacation. Some people experience more stress after returning from vacation, especially if the vacation time does not provide enough time for a positive relationship. (Bloom et al, 2013; Gump et al., 2020; Nawijn et al., 2010).
There are reasons why individuals feel the post-vacation blues.
1. Return to Routine and Demanding Work: After a vacation that provides relaxation and happiness, returning to a routine and workload can be stressful. Research shows that after a vacation period, happiness levels often return to pre-vacation levels or even lower. Demanding routines and work can be stressors after returning from vacation.
2. Short Duration of Positive Effects: While vacations can improve well-being, these effects are usually short-lived. Most people experience an increase in well-being during vacation, but these positive effects quickly fade once they return to work, leading to a decline in mood.
3. Unable to Detach from Work Completely: Some individuals remain connected to work during vacation, either through communication or thoughts of the tasks that await. This inability to completely detach from work can reduce the restorative effects of vacation and accelerate the onset of post-vacation blues once the vacation is over.
4. Satisfaction Derived from Relaxation During Vacation: Research shows that those who enjoy vacations with high levels of relaxation tend to have longer positive effects after the vacation. However, for those whose vacations are less relaxing or more activity-filled, these effects fade quickly, so they tend to experience post-vacation blues when they return to their daily activities.
These factors suggest that while vacations can have a positive effect on well-being, time constraints and the burden of work afterwards are common reasons for post-vacation blues in individuals.
Symptoms of post vacation blues include (Hchler et al., 2017).
1. Vague anxiety, a vague or non-specific feeling of anxiety. a person may feel restless or worried for no apparent reason. These feelings can arise due to the sudden change from a relaxed vacation atmosphere to a stressful daily routine.
2. Irritability, increased irritability is a common symptom. A person may feel quicker to anger or frustrated by small things that would not normally bother them. This could be due to the stress and discomfort that comes with returning to a routine.
3. Nostalgia, feeling nostalgic or longing for holiday moments is another symptom. One may often think back to their vacation experiences and feel sad that the vacation is over. This can make them feel dissatisfied with their daily life.
4. Sleep difficulties, experiencing sleep problems, either difficulty falling asleep or oversleeping is a frequent symptom. Changes in sleep routines during vacation can affect one's sleep patterns upon return. Stress and anxiety can also make it difficult to sleep.
5. General Discomfort: A general feeling of discomfort or unease is another symptom. One may feel dissatisfied or unhappy with their daily life after returning from vacation. This could be due to the huge difference between the happiness during the vacation and the daily routine one is facing again.
If these symptoms last more than a few weeks or interfere with daily life, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. They can help determine if there is an underlying condition and provide appropriate treatment. Post vacation blues is related to positive psychology. Positive psychology focuses on improving individual well-being and happiness, and this is relevant in overcoming post-vacation blues (Corey, 2018).
Some ways to overcome post vacation blues that can be done (Hchler et al., 2017).
1. Give Yourself Time to Adapt: After returning from vacation, it's important to give yourself time to settle back into your daily routine. Don't jump straight into work or strenuous activities. This helps reduce stress and gives you time to adjust.
2. Make Plans for the Future: Planning the next activity or vacation can provide something to look forward to and help reduce the post-vacation blues. It provides new motivation and purpose.
3. Maintain Diet and Physical Activity: Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly can help maintain physical and mental well-being. A good diet and physical activity can boost mood and energy.
4. Engage in Pleasant Activities: Doing enjoyable and relaxing activities, such as a massage or creambath, can help reduce stress and improve mood. It gives you time to yourself and helps relieve tension.
5. Stay Connected to Nature: Spending time in nature or doing outdoor activities can help with mental and physical recovery from stress. Interaction with nature can provide calmness and help reduce anxiety.
6. Share Stories and Experiences: Sharing holiday stories and experiences with friends or family can help remember the good moments of the holiday and reduce feelings of sadness. It also strengthens social relationships and provides emotional support.
7. Start Light Intensity Activities: Starting light-intensity activities after the holidays can help the body and mind adapt back to the routine. Don't push yourself with heavy work or tasks right away.
8. Get Enough Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining mental and physical well-being. Adequate sleep helps the body recover and reduces stress.
9. Exercise Regularly: Doing exercise regularly can help improve mood and energy. Exercise also helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Hopefully, these tips can help you overcome post-vacation blues and maintain your mental well-being.
Referensi
Bloom, J. de, Geurts, S. A. E., & Kompier, M. A. J. (2013). Vacation (after-) effects on employee health and well-being, and the role of vacation activities, experiences and sleep. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(1), 613–633. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9345-3