TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In psychology, the difficulty of getting back into routine after a long vacation is known as post-holiday blues, a condition marked by the stark contrast between the freedom of time off and the pressures of everyday life.
Teresa Indira Andani, a clinical psychologist and adult graduate from the Faculty of Psychology, University of Indonesia, explained that although many people expect vacations to bring lasting happiness, research indicates that the mood boost often fades shortly after returning to daily responsibilities.
“After an enjoyable holiday, it's common for people to feel post-holiday blues, such as sluggishness, lack of motivation, or even stress when going back to work or school. This is normal, as the contrast between a relaxed vacation and the demands of everyday life can be quite stark,” Teresa said on Friday, April 4, 2025.
How post-holiday blues happen
According to her, the uplifting effects of a holiday come from factors like visiting long-anticipated destinations, which can elevate mood. Vacations also hold personal value, particularly for those reuniting with distant family members. She added that holidays offer a sense of freedom, exploration, and flexibility — in stark contrast to the structure and responsibilities of regular routines.
Post-holiday blues often stem from the stark contrast between the relaxed nature of a holiday and the demands of a structured schedule, as well as the sense of emptiness after leaving one's hometown.
“Vacations often bring a surge of excitement, especially when it involves a dream destination or a rare family reunion. Once it ends, the emotional shift can be significant, leaving people with feelings of emptiness or loss,” Teresa explained.
She added that physical fatigue from long trips or jet lag, along with a backlog of work, can also contribute to these post-vacation blues.
Signs of post-holiday blues and what to do to feel "normal" again
While these feelings are usually temporary and subside within a few days, Teresa warned that in some cases, they can develop into more serious mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or burnout.
Some signs to watch out for are prolonged difficulty concentrating, ongoing feelings of anxiety or sadness, sleep disturbances, extreme changes in eating patterns, and loss of interest in daily activities.
The psychologist, who practices at Vajra Gandaria Clinic in South Jakarta, emphasized the importance of seeking help when necessary.
“If the above symptoms persist for more than two weeks, disrupt daily activities, make it difficult to work, study, or interact with others, it is highly recommended to consult a psychologist or mental health professional such as a psychologist,” she advised.
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