UNDERSTANDING POST-HOLIDAY BLUES: WHEN THE VACATION ENDS AND EMOTIONS NEED TO BE COMMUNICATED
Hello, Fikomers!
Have you ever felt empty, uneasy, less motivated, or found it hard to refocus after a long holiday? If so, you might be experiencing Post-Holiday Blues (PHB). This phenomenon often appears after a vacation ends and we have to return to our daily routines.
PHB is often misunderstood as mere physical fatigue. However, from a communication studies perspective, this condition is far more complex. It is closely related to meaning, expectations, and how we interpret our holiday experiences.
Vacation as a Symbol and an Expectation
In communication terms, a vacation is not just a time to rest, it is also a symbol of freedom, happiness, and escape from routine pressures. Social media, other people’s stories, and popular narratives about the “perfect holiday” often shape high expectations.
When the vacation ends and reality returns, a gap emerges between expectations and everyday routines. This gap often triggers emotional stress, feelings of emptiness, and even a loss of motivation.
Post-Holiday Blues as an Emotional Communication Process
Post-Holiday Blues can be understood as a form of meaning dissonance, when the happiness constructed during a vacation no longer aligns with post-holiday reality. In this situation, individuals need space to reinterpret their experiences, emotions, and social roles.
This is where interpersonal communication plays a crucial role. Conversations with friends, family, or colleagues become a medium to share stories, express emotions, and rebuild more realistic expectations.
Conversation as a Bridge to Recovery
Open and empathetic communication can serve as a bridge to restoring emotional balance. By talking, we don’t just “release” feelings, we also create new meanings: returning to routine is not the end of happiness, but another phase of life’s journey.
In this context, the right words, understanding listeners, and a safe space to share can greatly support post-holiday adjustment.
Feeling Blue Is Normal, Understanding It Matters
Feeling down after a holiday is normal and human. What matters most is how we understand this phenomenon, manage emotions in a healthy way, and use communication as a tool to rise again.
With awareness and effective communication, Post-Holiday Blues becomes not an obstacle, but an emotional transition toward a new balance.
Let’s understand this phenomenon more deeply and make communication your best companion in navigating emotional changes after the holidays.
