September is a month of changes. Children return to school, young people to their university studies and most of us resume our work. Summer already seems very far away and we feel that we are in the process of adapting to our routine: we have changed, overnight, the beach, the mountains or relaxation in general for our work environment.
In this situation, it is more than normal to feel a kind of sadness or apathy towards the activities that unfold before us. These feelings of melancholy can alternate with moments of anger or anger and, although it may not seem like it, they are completely normal in this context of returning to routine. In today’s article We are going to talk about post-vacation apathy, and what it consists of and what we can do to manage it better.
It is decidedly difficult for our body to accept that the time of fun and leisure is over and that it is necessary to return to routine. Post-vacation apathy is a much more common syndrome than we think, as it affects 4 out of 10 people and, furthermore, several studies have warned that it continues to increase. Perhaps the problem is in the dynamics of today’s world; A few decades ago, day-to-day life remained much more stable and everyday life was the order of the day. Currently, however, a kind of “hatred” towards routine has been established, which makes “landing” after the holidays more complicated.
Post-vacation apathy or sadness is closely linked to the so-called post-vacation syndrome, what it is, and it is important to insist on it, simply an adaptive difficulty, not a pathology. The most common response is a feeling similar to stress and similar symptoms, since the person does not feel capable of carrying out all the obligations that come with the end of the vacation.
Post-vacation syndrome lasts between one and two weeks, enough time for our body to adapt to the routine again. If the symptoms go further, then we would be dealing with something very different, such as depression or an anxiety or adjustment disorder.
Symptoms of post-vacation apathy
As always, symptoms vary depending on the person and their context. However, It has common characteristics, very similar to those of stress or anxiety disorders:
On the other hand, there are some people who are more prone to this syndrome than others. To begin with, people who have some type of mental pathology such as anxiety disorders or depression are more likely to develop the syndrome. On the other hand, those with lower frustration tolerance or work in an unpleasant work context or with overly demanding tasks are also more likely to suffer from it.
How to manage the return to routine by combating post-vacation apathy
We have already mentioned that feeling a certain apathy and/or sadness after the holidays is normal. Now, how to ensure that the adaptation period does not last longer than usual and lead to post-vacation syndrome?
1. Give your body and mind time to adapt
The most important thing is that our return is as gradual as possible, to give our body time to adapt to the change. Going to work the day after returning from a trip is not recommended; rather, we should return a few days early to have time to get an idea of the return of routine, in the most relaxed way possible.
On the other hand, it is also highly recommended continue the leisure we had during the holidays, even if, of course, for a shorter time. Returning to work does not mean eliminating all our moments of pleasure. You can continue meeting on a terrace with your friends; That time may now be restricted to leaving the office, but allow it anyway.
Remember that sudden changes are the ones that confuse our minds the most. Give your body room to adapt, little by little.
3. Make small changes to your schedules the days before
Of course, returning to routine implies a change in schedules. You must do it gradually, without rudeness. A good technique is Get up half an hour earlier during the week before the start of your work routine as well as going to bed a little earlier each day.
4. Exercise and watch your diet
Sport is the best ally to feel good. It is proven that people who exercise regularly are happier, since they have a space to release stress and anxiety.
On the other hand, the consumption of alcohol and caffeine does not help you relax. Try to reduce your intake.
5. Remember that this apathy will pass
This is a normal state after a long period of rest. Don’t worry; As soon as your body adapts, sadness, anger and/or apathy will disappear. Don’t constantly think about what’s happening to you; Be patient and take care of yourself as much as possible, because you will end up being fine. In any case, remember that if the symptoms are not relieved, it is best to see a specialist.
