Did you know that 93% of people say being on holiday improves their well-being and mental health but it can cause sadness once back home to normality. Searches for ‘how to beat post-holiday blues’2 have increased by +100% in the last 12 months as Brits search for coping methods.
SkyParkSecure have worked with medical writer Dr Deborah Lee3 from Dr Fox to offer advise how to beat the post-holiday blues and coping methods for travellers.
How to beat the post-holiday blues
Searches for ‘how to beat post-holiday blues’2 have increased by +100% in the last 12 months as Brits search for coping methods.
Why do we feel post-holiday blues?
‘Post-holiday blues’ are also known by the medical term ‘post-travel depression’ (PTD). After a holiday, it’s common to feel a range of emotions including sadness. Mood disturbance can also occur, with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms. Sufferers can feel tired, exhausted and have difficulty concentrating. The key difference between PTD and anxiety and depression is that PTD is temporary and will resolve, although this can take several weeks.
Why do we suffer post-holiday blues?
The natural let-down after the build-up, planning and anticipation that the holiday is over.
Cortisol levels fluctuate on holidays. High cortisol levels are a feature of stress. After the holiday, normal routines return and cortisol levels may well fall.
Over indulgence with excess holiday food and alcohol. Getting diet and exercise routine established again can be difficult.
Sleep routine has been disturbed.
The worries left behind such as finances return
The longer the holiday, the worse the PTD. The symptoms of travel sickness or jet lag also exacerbate this.
Top tips: how to beat the post-holiday blues and how to cope
Think ahead to be ready for the return home:
Think ahead and leave the house clean, tidy, and welcoming for your return, with bread and milk in the freezer and fresh sheets on the bed. If possible, try to get an extra day at home before returning to work to get organised.
Be kind to yourself:
This has well-known health benefits when you start to take good care of yourself. Treating yourself with kindness can lower your blood pressure and cortisol levels. Make sure you have a proper sleep regime with seven hours of good-quality sleep per night. Eat a nutritious diet and get regular exercise. Keep well hydrated, drinking at least two litres of water daily. Stop drinking alcohol or at least cut down to the recommended limit of 14 units per week. Schedule time in your busy day for relaxation.
Keep connected:
Don’t have an empty diary. Contact friends and family and plan social events.
Plan another break:
One way to get over PTD is to plan another holiday. Take steps to minimise PTD in the future. Awareness of the condition is helpful. Do what you can to care for yourself on holiday. Take travel sickness medication before the journey. Stay well hydrated while you are away.
Martin Jonesfrom SkyParkSecure says “We tend to spend weeks or months looking forward to our holidays, so it’s only normal that emotions can run high when you get back home! Being kind to yourself and knowing it’s a completely normal feeling is the first step to beating the post-holiday blues”
Planning your 2023 summer holiday trip but if you are an anxious flyer, check out SkyParkSecure’s report on the best nature sounds to listen to, to help ease your worries: https://www.skyparksecure.com/blog/nature-sounds-for-nervous-flyers/