Dubai: Your holiday is just over, and did we hear you say that it’s back to the grind? That you have to literally drag yourself to do those chores at home, let alone get the kids to school and yourself to work? Well, watch out, you may actually be suffering from what psychologists label as the Post-Vacation Syndrome (PVS).
So, what is PVS?
Like it or not, PVS is for real. As Dr Saliha Afridi, Clinical Psychologist and Managing Director of The LightHouse Arabia, points out, “It is also called Post-Vacation Blues, and is a feeling of sadness, anxiety or depression that can occur after returning home from vacation.”
PVS can have many triggers. The end of a pleasurable experience which can be a reminder of the stresses of everyday life; leaving family and friends that you might have connected with over the holidays; more pleasant weather than your home country perhaps; or even the financial stress most people experience in August/September as they pay for back-to-school expenses or for the holidays (earlier).
Reham Ammar, psychologist at NMC Royal Hospital, says, “PVS occurs because our mind begins to miss the positive experiences during vacation and dreads the return to routine."
It typically lasts for a few days can often be exacerbated by jetlag, dehydration, and stress that is accompanied with travel, returning and adjusting back into their home and daily routine.
What causes PVS?
According to Dr Afridi, PVS is triggered by many factors. “The end of a pleasurable experience which can be a reminder of the stresses of everyday life; leaving family and friends that you might have connected with over the holidays; more pleasant weather than your home country perhaps; or even the financial stress most people experience in August/September as they pay for back-to-school expenses or for the holidays (earlier).”
What are the tell-tale signs?
The psychologists say the tell-tale signs can vary from person to person. They include low mood and a general feeling of melancholy after returning home, besides feeling anxious, stressed, irritable, frustrated, sluggish, demotivated, unfocussed or empty. Some also experience changes in appetite, such as eating more or less than usual, besides sleep disturbances due to time zones differences or change in routine.
How common is PVS in the UAE?
Dr Afridi says, “It is very common. I don’t have exact numbers but anecdotally we know from our clients and community that many people struggle to return to their routine after vacations. One factor to consider is that for a significant portion of the UAE’s population, the country is an expatriate hub.”
Explaining her point, she says many residents come from different countries, and their extended ‘holidays’ often involve returning to their home countries, reconnecting with family, and immersing themselves in familiar surroundings.
“Also thanks to flexible work arrangements, many working individuals can extend their time away by engaging in some remote work from overseas. This prolonged period away can intensify the emotional contrast between ‘home’ and ‘work life’ in the UAE. The combined effect of this emotional transition and the stark climatic change from cooler summer destinations to the intense heat of the UAE can make the post-vacation adjustment more challenging for many residents,” added Dr Afridi.
Does PVS have any implications?
PVS does have its implications. According to Ammar, “The main implication of PVS is that it affects the daily performance of people at work and in their family duties. Sometimes, people become irritable, angry and impulsive as they struggle to deal with their emotions after vacation. This can lead to interpersonal problems.”
She says if the emotional state lasts more than two weeks, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor as it could indicate or lead to a deeper mental health issue.
Can PVS be prevented?
“While you might not be able to prevent PVS entirely, you can lessen the intensity,” says Dr Afridi.
She offers the following precautionary tips:
Plan your return before you leave. Having a clear plan for your first few days can reduce anxiety. It could be your work week upon your return, a list of things you will do when you get back (grocery, unpacking, doctor apppointments etc) or plan a post-vacation treat that you have to look forward to.
Do a proper handover and delegation of your responsibilities at work before leaving so you can psychologically and physically disconnect from work while you are on vacation.
Gradually transition back to work. Instead of coming back the day before you work, return two-three days before you are supposed to return to your duties so that you can ease back into your routine.
The main implication of PVS is that it affects the daily performance of people at work and in their family duties. Sometimes, people become irritable, angry and impulsive as they struggle to deal with their emotions after vacation. This can lead to interpersonal problems.
Ammar says it all boils down to being organised and mindful – before, during and after vacation.
Before vacation: Try to finish most of your work and home tasks, keep office and home arraigned and clean before travel. Focus on mindfulness habits before travel, so you can enjoy your time off.
During vacation: Stop doing anything related to your work. Be in the here and now. Exercise well. Eat healthy. Sleep enough.
After vacation: Give yourself enough time to get back to work or school. Practice acceptance skills and be conscious of getting back to your normal daily life. Be at the present moment. Focus on building daily life pleasant activities. Create happy moments at work.
Finally, how is PVS treated?
“For individuals struggling with PVS, strategies rooted in mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can be particularly beneficial,” says Dr Afridi. These approaches can alleviate stress and anxiety, fostering a sense of presence and appreciation for their daily lives. By adopting these therapeutic techniques, individuals can navigate the challenges of transitioning from vacation back to routine with greater resilience and awareness.
She says, “Individuals experiencing post-vacation blues might find it helpful to reflect upon and evaluate their obligations and responsibilities. By identifying what they’re hesitant or reluctant to return to, they can gain insights into specific aspects of their daily life that may need adjustment. Frequently, these intense feelings can serve as indicators, highlighting areas in one’s life that may benefit from change or reconsideration.”
