How to Beat the Post-Vacation Blues, According to a Psychologist

That vacation glow can quickly fade once you're back to reality—but experts say it doesn’t have to. In today’s Health Minute, CNN’s Mandy Gaither shares helpful strategies for overcoming the post-vacation blues.

Psychologist Rachel Gabelman with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center says the letdown after a trip is normal. You return to laundry, a full inbox, and the grind of everyday life—often with nothing else on the calendar to look forward to.

“It can just feel like, oh, why did I bother maybe taking that vacation at all,” Gabelman admits. But she also emphasizes that taking time off is important for your mental well-being.

To ease your re-entry, Gabelman recommends setting yourself up for success before you leave. Clean your home, stock your freezer and pantry, and, if possible, build in an extra day off between your return and your first day back at work.

While on vacation, she suggests being fully present—enjoy the moments rather than dreading the end. And when you get home, start thinking about your next getaway, even if it’s just a weekend trip or a staycation.

“We, as humans, really like to look forward to things,” she says. “It might reduce our stress and help us to keep going.”

Finally, she encourages setting realistic expectations for how you’ll feel after returning home. Feeling down just means your time off was meaningful—and that’s something worth celebrating.

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Credit: CNN Newsource