As summer comes to a close and fall sets in, many people experience a feeling of sadness and depression commonly referred to as the “autumn doldrums”.

For those who have just returned from a relaxing vacation in the sun, the transition can be especially difficult. Post-vacation sadness is a very real condition that affects many people, but there are ways to overcome it and get back to feeling like your old self again. Here are some tips to help you overcome post-vacation sadness and beat the autumn doldrums.

1. Recap Your Trip

One of the best ways to overcome post-vacation sadness is to reminisce about your vacation. Take some time to look back on your trip and relive some of your favorite moments.

Put together a photo album, create a scrapbook, or write about your experiences in a journal. This will not only help you to remember the good times, but it will also give you something to look back on when you’re feeling down.

2. Create a Routine

If you’re feeling down after your trip, it could be because you’ve lost your sense of routine. Get back into the swing of things by creating a new routine for yourself.

This could mean setting a new bedtime, planning your meals for the week, or scheduling time for exercise. Having a routine can help you feel more in control and give you a sense of purpose.

3. Stay Connected

One of the benefits of going on vacation is getting away from it all, but that can make coming back even harder. Make sure to stay connected with family and friends, and try to set up a social event or activity to look forward to.

This will help you re-adjust to normal life and keep your mind off the fact that your vacation is over.

4. Get Outside

One of the reasons we feel so good on vacation is that we’re usually outdoors, enjoying nature and getting some fresh air. Even if you can’t take a whole day off, try to get outside for a walk or run in the morning or after work.

Exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, and getting outside can help boost your mood even more.

5. Plan Your Next Trip

One of the best ways to combat post-vacation sadness is to start planning your next trip. This will give you something to look forward to and help you get excited about the future.

Even if you don’t have the time or money for another big vacation, try planning a weekend getaway or a day trip.

6. Practice Gratitude

It’s easy to focus on the negative when you’re feeling down, but one way to combat this is to practice gratitude.

Take a few minutes each day to think about what you’re grateful for, whether it’s a supportive friend, a beautiful sunset, or a good cup of coffee. This can help shift your mindset and put you in a more positive frame of mind.

7. Be Kind to Yourself

If you’re feeling sad or down after your vacation, it’s important to be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling this way, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to snap out of it.

Give yourself time to adjust and take care of yourself in the meantime.

8. Seek Professional Help

If your feelings of sadness and depression don’t improve after a few weeks, it may be time to seek professional help.

A therapist can help you work through your feelings and provide you with the tools and resources you need to overcome post-vacation sadness and beat the autumn doldrums.

Conclusion

Post-vacation sadness is a common and often difficult experience to go through, but there are ways to overcome it.

Whether it’s reminiscing about your trip, planning your next vacation, or seeking professional help, taking proactive steps to combat your sadness can help you get back to feeling like your old self again.