Holidays are the time to disconnect from everyday responsibilities and instead turn our attention towards rest and relaxation. But have you ever noticed that when you return home, you sometimes feel even more exhausted than when you left? If you've ever said, "I need a holiday after that holiday," you're not alone.
Dr. Catherine Jackson, licenced clinical psychologist and board-certified neurotherapist, explained that these negative feelings may be due to a few things. "There's travelling fatigue in which just the mere act of travelling tires some people out," she told POPSUGAR. "[A lot of people also] pack the holiday with too many tasks, excursions, and places to see but don't allow enough time to actually relax, sleep in, sit by the pool, or do absolutely nothing." Another no-no? "Working while on holiday and never fully cutting off work duties." Dr. Jackson added that taking a holiday for too short of a period and jumping right back into work upon returning home can also cause one to feel frazzled and exhausted afterwards.
The effects of travelling also have a more direct impact on your body on a biological level. "Your body has a circadian rhythm that is tied to sunrise and sundown in your home environment, such that when you travel your body's clock gets disrupted," Dr. Charles Brenner, chair of biochemistry and a director of the obesity initiative at the University of Iowa, explained to POPSUGAR. This is particularly true when travelling from East to West time zones.
Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to help avoid the feelings of doom and gloom upon returning home from a holiday. Keep reading for some expert tips on getting back into the swing of things rested, relaxed, and stress-free.