post vacation blues

I'm feeling exhausted, depressed, rundown.

You sound like you need a vacation

Funny you should say that. I just got back from a two week vacation in Colorado. The weather was perfect, we had fun hiking and biking and relaxing, the food and wine were wonderful. We had a great time.

So, why are you feeling so bad?

While on vacation we can kick back and forget about our responsibilities. We can pretend that life is all about getting up at 10 o'clock, eating a large, leisurely breakfast while planning a lazy day doing whatever our little heart desires. Returning home can be a rude awakening - the post office has left 12 days worth of mail on your doorstep, the pool looks green, the sprinkler system valve is leaking etc. Getting back to work can be a positive shock - you have 150 emails to respond to, three people need to talk to you "right away" and the deadline for your project has been moved up.

How can you beat the post vacation blues?

• Choose vacation activities that refresh and renew you. Beating the blues will be twice as hard if your vacation wiped you out.



• Plan some transition time - try returning home on Friday, so you have a couple of days to prepare for the work week.



• Use your vacation time wisely - instead of a two week vacation take several long weekends. That way you will always have something to look forward to.



• Hopefully your vacation has shown you the importance of relaxing, and taking time for yourself. The company, and your department survived your absence so maybe you can implement some changes. Perhaps you can improve your delegating skills, or practice better time management or organize your workplace. These strategies will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and bring some balance back into your life.

Here are a few suggestions for keeping your vacation "highs" going after you return home and go back to work

• Relive the trip with family and friends by sharing photographs and gifts.



• Eat your dinner on the patio or by the pool with wine, music and candles to reflect the holiday mood.



• Plan some fun activities after returning home - jazz at the museum or Shakespeare in the Park so you'll have a fun activity to anticipate.



• Start planning your next vacation & give your fantasies free rein.

Saying No