There’s nothing quite like a holiday; a chance to take a break, explore, indulge and get away from the daily grind. Unfortunately, like most good things, they are over too soon and it’s back to reality at the blink of an eye. Coming home from a holiday can often lead to the ‘post-travel blues’, a bit of a depressive state after the high and euphoria of a holiday. This post-travel blue can be really difficult to manage so after many years of dealing with it, I wanted to share a few things you can do to help you beat them.

Note: In a previous blog we have discussed the ‘glitter crash‘ which is basically the ‘post-con blues’ (post convention depression) but more attuned to the burlesque and pinup community. Please go here to read that blog if it’s more suited to your current needs.

-Acknowledge it
It is really normal to come home after an amazing adventure and absolutely feel bogged down by the realities of your normal life. The depressive episode that follows is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about and no, you’re not being ‘dramatic’ or ‘ridiculous’.
Acknowledging that there has been a change in your mood is always a good first step. Mental health is never something to be ashamed of and the post-travel blues can make us feel really irrational and stupid. I have absolutely had a meltdown because I didn’t know I ran out of my favourite fabric softener the day after I returned home and it’s totally fine. Acknowledge, take a deep breath and follow the other steps.

-Time for some R and R
You may think that after a holiday you don’t need anymore rest or relaxation but that’s is certainly not the case. Take as much time as you can to rest and relax as this will make you feel calmer in your own space again. You can also use this time to implement any holiday habits you picked up such as adding a certain snack into your diet or even yoga.
It’s important to get as much sleep as you can during this time as it’ll allow your brain to reset and it’ll give you more energy as time goes on. I like to come home about 2 or 3 days before I need to return to work and stay at home as I recharge after my holiday. It’s normal and necessary.

-Nourish your body
We all know it’s cliche to go on and on about eating healthy, sleeping well and exercising but deep down we all know it’s good for us and our bodies. If you’re struggling with the post-travel blues, keeping your nutrition up, getting your steps or exercise in and of course, resting, will all eventually get you feeling better.
It’s totally ok to have a few cheat meals after you come home from your travels, we’re all tired and not bothered some days, but try to get as much healthy food into you as possible.

-Reach out and Touch somebody (with consent!)
Depression is a lonely beast, trust me, I know all about it. When I’m really struggling, I completely isolate myself and avoid all contact with people and no matter how long or how many times I’ve done this, it’s never actually made me feel better (you’d think I’d learn by now aye?). Try reaching out and contacting friends and/or family to see if they’d like to go out for a hot beverage or a walk. Keeping up your social circle, even if it’s playing games online with friends, can boost your mood and make you feel better. This is also a great time to get as many cuddles in, even with a fur baby, as you can to help boost your mood.

-Make some Future Plans
When you start reaching out to people, you may find that you start making future plans together. This is amazing for your mood and gives you something to look forward to. Your plans don’t have to be as big as planning another holiday (although I’ve absolutely planned another holiday whilst flying home before) but it could also be a big personal project or a DIY activity. Give yourself small, manageable and achievable goals over the next few weeks and that can really help too.

-Leave the House
This is the one I struggle with the most personally but I must admit that getting out of the house can be really great for the mood. You don’t need to plan a crazy day out but even going for a drive to the beach or to the shops can really help out your mood. When it comes to being social whilst batting the post-travel blues, I start with chatting to friends online, then asking a friend to come over (or visiting them) and then eventually making plans to properly go out (be it op-shopping, going out for lunch or even just going to dinner. Leaving the house is great for the mood.

-Self care
I know I bang on and on about self care but after a recent depressive episode of my own, I forgot just how important self care can be. Taking time out to look after yourself, be it a bath or painting your nails, can really make you feel better about yourself and your environment. It’s easy to focus on the needs of others and forget your own so recently I’ve been trying really hard to make sure I take some time out to look after my body and spend time treating it right (I totally ate a hamburger and caramel sundae in the bath tub the other night whilst watching trash tv, it was glorious).

The post travel blues aren’t fun for anyone but don’t push yourself further than your limit as you can make yourself really sick both mentally or physically. Use this time to rest, relax and regain your inspiration. This is a great time to be a little bit selfish and watch YouTube all day, do some retail therapy and catch up with friends so make sure you do what makes you happy.
If for any reason you feel that you can’t get out of your own darkness, call out for help. Reach out to a friend or someone you trust. If you think it is an emergency, contact a counselling service such as HEADSPACE (1800 650 890) a free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time.

You’re not alone. You matter. You can do it. I believe in you. Yeah, I really do.

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own and not influenced in any way. There are no affiliate links and I do not benefit from any link clicks or purchases made.