BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Your summer vacation was pure bliss: sunny beach mornings, spontaneous ice cream stops, and afternoons spent buried in a good book. But now you’re back at your desk, drowning in Slack messages and emails, and the vacation glow is swiftly fading. The post-vacation blues are real, but don’t panic — there are techniques to help you regain momentum and rediscover the joy of your work.
Understanding the post-vacation paradox
It may seem contradictory, but returning from a vacation can often leave you feeling more exhausted than rejuvenated. Ayelet Fishbach, a professor at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, notes that this behavior is typical. “Travel itself can be exhausting,” she says. If your vacation wasn’t fully relaxing — whether you had to accept work calls or were preoccupied with family activities — you may feel as if you didn’t receive a true break. Furthermore, the dramatic contrast between vacation leisure and the daily grind might be unsettling, to say the least.
Prepare yourself for re-entry
Returning to work is a “gigantic shock to the system,” according to Tessa West, an NYU psychology professor. The abrupt change in routine can be taxing on both your body and mind. West recommends having reasonable expectations for your re-entry time. “Those first couple of days you’re still pretty fried,” she says. Plan accordingly by allotting additional time for your commute and being strategic about scheduling meetings with coworkers who may boost your stress levels. The initial adjustment is the most difficult phase, but it becomes easier: “Monday feels brutal, but Tuesday is a bit better, and Wednesday is smoother still,” Fishbach says.
Start slow and small
Jumping right into the most demanding tasks when you return might be overwhelming. To generate momentum, West recommends starting with easier, more achievable duties. “You’re plunging into an acute stressor the moment you get back,” she explains. Instead, view your return as an onboarding process, gradually easing back into your responsibilities. This strategy keeps the tension from affecting your coworkers and allows you to restore your footing at a steady pace.
Focus on what you enjoy about your job
Intrinsic motivation, which comes from having a real passion and purpose in your work, is critical to job happiness. Fishbach recommends reminding yourself of what you appreciate and find rewarding about your career. “When you’re feeling the opposite of eager to be there, think about why you chose your job in the first place, what it offers, and who you get to connect with,” she says. By focusing on the areas of your career that you enjoy, you can rekindle your excitement and motivation.
Change your perspective
Returning from vacation can feel like an internal battle between work and leisure. Fishbach argues that this perceived contradiction might bring on a sense of guilt. However, productivity and fun are not incompatible. She suggests viewing your employment as a complement to your free time. “Being productive and successful is not the opposite of enjoying life and having time for rejuvenation,” she insists. Remember that employment provides the financial means to enjoy vacations and live a meaningful life.
Reassess, if necessary
If you’re still trying to find your groove after a few weeks, it may be time to reconsider. Vacations can provide wonderful opportunities for self-reflection. West recommends taking this time to gauge your job satisfaction. “Maybe you realize that you still love your job, but it doesn’t love you back,” she says. While it is critical to avoid making rash decisions, such as resigning on a whim, it is also critical to acknowledge persistent sentiments of unhappiness. Begin researching various employment options and responsibilities that may better match your interests and strengths.
The post-vacation blues can be a challenging but temporary phase. Setting reasonable expectations, starting slowly, focusing on what you enjoy about your job, altering your perception, and reassessing as needed will allow you to return to work as painlessly as possible and may even help you discover renewed motivation and happiness. Remember, balancing work and relaxation is essential for a fulfilling existence.
