Here's Why You Feel So Exhausted After a Vacation — and What You Can Do to Fix It

Updated on 9/2/2019 at 2:10 PM

Pexels | Riccardo Bresciani

Vacations 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 vacation after that vacation," you're not alone.

Dr. Catherine Jackson, licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified neurotherapist, explained that these negative feelings may be due to a few things. "There's traveling fatigue in which just the mere act of traveling tires some people out," she told POPSUGAR. "[A lot of people also] pack the vacation 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 vacation and never fully cutting off work duties." Dr. Jackson added that taking a vacation 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 traveling 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, Chief Scientific Advisor to ChromaDex, explained to POPSUGAR. This is particularly true when traveling 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 vacation. Keep reading for some expert tips on getting back into the swing of things rested, relaxed, and stress-free.

Stay Hydrated

"There's low humidity in airplane cabins, which tends to dry us out," Dr. Brenner explained. "So drink plenty of water and try to minimize diuretic beverages, like caffeine and alcohol." He also advises to be aware of any food that takes moisture away from the body, such as dried fruit, salted nuts, salty chips and crackers, and processed foods with excess sodium.

Prepare Ahead For a Calm Return

Before you leave for vacation, do the necessary prep at work to ensure a calm return. "Let people know you'll be out of the office and not to contact you unless it's a dire emergency," Dr. Jackson said. "Better yet, leave someone else in charge in your absence to take care of things." By preparing mentally and doing as much as you can on your to-do list beforehand, you'll give yourself a much smoother transition back into everyday life once the vacation is through.

Do as the Locals Do

"If you're changing time zones, consider setting your watch to the time zone of your destination as soon as you board the plane and behave as you would in that time zone," Dr. Brenner advised. You can do this by going to sleep at a reasonable hour, getting up with the sun, and eating meals at proper times throughout the day.

Practice Self-Care and Relaxation on the Trip

Many times when we travel, we get so caught up in filling up our itineraries that we never really make time for a bit of R & R, even though we really should. "Relaxing is very important and is the reason why we take vacations," Dr. Jackson said. "Be sure to schedule time to do very little or nothing at all. There should be days when you have nothing in particular planned."

Ease Back Into Your Normal Routine Once You're Home

Many times when we travel we try to spread ourselves too thin, often returning to work the next day or even the same day after a strenuous flight. "When you plan to take your vacation, schedule another day at home before you return back to work," Dr. Jackson said. "Traveling to different time zones can be taxing, so slowing down and easing back in will allow your body to adjust before getting back to the routine of things."