This is a regular theme among our clients in January. “I was getting tired of too much partying, visiting and travel, but now that it’s over, I’m slipping into depression!”
Through discussions and patient feedback, we’ve developed techniques that people can use before, during, and after a vacation or trip to get integrated back home without any glitches.
One patient in particular described feeling in a better mood and having a heightened sense of engagement when traveling, followed by a letdown, and sense of meaninglessness upon return. However, the letdown didn’t always happen. On a trip where she took notes for projects to be started up when back home, she felt engaged and ready to go after the trip ended. However, another break, equally enjoyable in itself, triggered a letdown on return. On reflection, she realized that the note taking and planning were an important part of travel for her, and resolved to incorporate such techniques every time, whether the trip was for work or pleasure.
Out of this reflection, a list of procedures was derived:
- Pre-trip (or holiday):
- note down potential projects or activities that could come out of this event.
- Note down specific actionable items that may be encountered.
- During the trip:
- Take note of stimuli that could be useful in future plans.
- Consider possible “bridges” between the holiday break and “regular” life.
- Post-trip:
- have a transition plan from the break to home/work life. Especially for the first day or two, make a very specific daily schedule to stave off feelings of letdown or meaninglessness.
- Look for ways that creativity and activity can be stimulated by the act of coming home.
For some, this much pre- and post-planning may be more elaborate than necessary, but it may give a framework that could be useful in similar situations. Even if you’re not traveling, or just taking the kids to visit Grandma on the weekend, there can be a post-break letdown, but it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. Just think through how a reaction could set in, and note down a few ideas for countering any depression or “drift” as you get back into the usual routine.