Holidays are a time when people let their hair down, completely ditch work and school (for most) and do much more pleasurable activities than they usually do in a routine day. When they are compelled to stop doing these things, the void shows up explicitly. Fortunately, holiday blues don't usually last for very long, and can be more quickly rid of with some minor adjustments.
Find new things to look forward to
Catch up on other fun activities that you missed on your vacation, such as watching your favourite programme on TV or online, reading a new book, watching a movie, eating a beloved local delicacy, having a nice warm soak in the bath...
Holidays with friends are good times to discover yourself through the eyes of others. Did your friends perhaps help you to discover something about yourself that you'd want to change or improve? Are you inspired to learn or improve on a new language or skill? Now's the time to start looking into it.
Additionally, the best way to get over something great that has ended, is to plan another great event. Start planning your next great getaway and your spirits will be up in no time.
Take care of yourself
Falling sick after a holiday can only worsen the blues. Your daily routine is likely to be upset during the holiday, so be sure to re-right it. Get ample sleep (early to bed, early to rise), water and exercise. Eat your meals at regular times and make sure you're getting sufficient bowel movement. Exercise to keep yourself fit, as well as to drive the blues way. During exercise, endorphins are released, which improves your mood.
Spend time outdoors
You've probably been spending a lot of time outdoors during your holiday, so make sure you continue to do so. Mopping indoors will only make you feel more down.
Readjust, but give yourself time
It will naturally require some time to get back to the momentum of work, so do it with resolution, but don't stress over rushing into it either. Seek help from others if you can't manage it by yourself.
Make a tribute to your holiday
A travel blog, online photo album, scrap book, even a slide show... these are ways to relive and prolong your wonderful time, and to share your experience with others. Ask your travel buddies out over the weekend to recount the fun stuff that you did, and help out with your tribute.
Incorporate more fun in your life
Who says you can only have fun during the holidays? Make more time for the things you enjoy so that you strike a right balance between work and fun. The end of the holiday is less likely to depress if the year ahead remains a fun-filled and meaningful one.
If your post-travel depression doesn't wear off after several days, or get worse, do see a doctor as it may be something serious.
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