It's that time of year when summer holiday season is in full effect and workers across the country are enjoying weeks of relaxation. But when the holiday has come to an end and it's time to go back to reality, that post-holiday feeling of dread is one like no other. This is because typically, our holidays are filled with much more positivity and excitement then we would experience in day-to-day lives, so when this is taken away and we attempt to fit back into a routine, it can send us into a bit of a slump that's no fun for anyone - especially if the British weather has anything to do with it!
There are, however, some simple changes we can all make in our lives that will help to brighten our moods and banish the post-holiday blues, allowing us to head into autumn with a fresh outlook.
Find something to look forward to
The run up to your holiday is always an exciting time as you prepare to escape the routine for a few days. Often, when we get back one of the biggest causes of holiday blues is having nothing in the calendar to look forward to. Try and make sure you have plans scheduled in that you can feel excited about and that will give you a bit of a break. Of course, it's unlikely that these will be two or three week holidays, but weekend breaks or even planning an evening with friends can all help to lighten our moods.
Take some time for yourself
When we're on holiday, we have a lot more time to focus on ourselves. Whether that be lounging on a sunbed, or taking a long walk. But when we return home and sink back into a routine, it can become difficult to find these moments each day where we really focus on ourselves. Take some time out each day, even if it's for as little as 10 minutes, which is solely focussed on you. This could be anything from reading a good book, watching your favourite film, or just sitting quietly and enjoying some time to yourself.
Sort your sleep
Poor sleep habits are perhaps the worst culprit when it comes to the cause of low moods. To put it simply, our body needs sleep to recover and without it we can quickly become irritable and unproductive. I would recommend banishing your phone or tablet from the bedroom and instead read a good book before bed, as electronic devices are the enemy of a good night's rest. There are lots of other techniques to help you sleep, so if you are struggling then speak to your doctor to find out what is best for you.
Take on your to-do list
You know those ideas you had while you were relaxing on holiday? Well, who says they need to be forgotten about once you return home?! Try creating a to-do list of things you want to achieve over the next few months and plan out how you're going to do it. Perhaps you want to find a new job, or take up a new hobby for example. Giving yourself these challenges outside of your usual day-to-day routine can help to create a sense of purpose and ambition, as well as pride, as you achieve each task on your list.
You are what you eat
It's no secret that maintaining a healthy diet is arguably one of the most important things we can do to look after our body. Although it can be tempting to fill up on your favourite comfort foods post-holiday, this can really impact your mood and is likely to make you feel much worse in the long run! This is because sugary foods will cause peaks and troughs in your blood sugar levels and as you enter a trough, as does your mood, leading to cravings for more sugar, which eventually gets you stuck in a vicious circle! Try to stick to a well-balanced diet and save the sugary treats for special occasions.
Of course, it's perfectly normal to feel a bit glum when you've returned from two weeks' paradise to then be faced with the prospect of the school run or a stressful week at work, but if these feelings are prolonged for longer than a couple of weeks then it could be a sign that you need to speak with your doctor for help and advice. Alternatively, you can download the Qure app for a doctor to your door, available 24 hours a day. The app is available on App Store and Google Play.
To find out more about Qure and their services, please visit: https://www.getqure.com/