"Post-Vacation Blues After a Spiritual Retreat: Finding Your Way Back to Balance"

Holy Shrine of Abu Fadhl Al- Abbas, Karbala, Iraq

Have you ever experienced post-vacation blues? It’s that feeling of disconnection and melancholy after returning to a normal routine from a trip especially one that brought immense joy or peace. For me, I recently experienced this after returning from a deeply spiritual journey, often referred to as "ziyarah blues."

On this trip, all I had to focus on was myself and my connection with the only truth: God. Nothing else mattered. I wasn’t someone’s daughter, sister, or relative I was just a soul, completely immersed in prayer and reflection. Returning to my daily life felt like stepping out of a sacred bubble into the chaos of reality.

The longer a trip like this lasts, the harder the adjustment can be. Psychology suggests that the intensity of post-vacation blues correlates with how much contrast exists between the trip and your everyday life. After coming home, life can feel dull or even unsatisfactory in comparison to the sense of fulfilment experienced during the trip.

What Are Post-vacation blues?

Post-vacation blues or in this case, ziyarah blues can manifest as tiredness, loss of appetite, nostalgia, insomnia, and, in some cases, feelings of depression. For me, the transition has been challenging. I’m still feeling a bit off, struggling to sleep, and dealing with a lack of appetite. It feels like as if I have returned to a reality where nothing feels "normal."

While it usually takes a few days to re-adjust, in extreme cases, this mood can last for weeks. The emotional weight of ziyarah blues isn’t just about longing for the journey itself it’s about reconciling the gap between the peace you felt and the demands of daily life.

Coping with Post- vacation Blues

I’ve been actively working through these feelings, using methods that nurture my mind, body, and soul. Here’s what’s helping me:

1. Yoga: Starting my day with yoga helps me stay grounded and reconnect with my body.

2. Journaling: Writing down my thoughts and emotions has been incredibly cathartic. It helps me process my experiences and reflect on what I’ve learned.

3. Walks in Nature: Spending time outdoors is a reminder to stay present and find beauty in the here and now.

4. Listening to My Body: Instead of pushing myself to “snap out of it,” I am honouring my feelings and allowing myself the time I need to heal.

   
   

Practical Tips for Overcoming Post-Vacation Blues

• Relive Your Journey: Share your experiences with loved ones, revisit photos, or keep souvenirs nearby as reminders of the trip.

• Stay Connected to What You Learned: Incorporate elements of your spiritual journey into daily life, such as prayer, meditation, or acts of kindness.

• Plan the Next Adventure: Having something to look forward to can reignite a sense of excitement and purpose.

• Establish a Routine: Consistency in daily habits like exercise, self-care, and mindfulness can extend the positive impact of your trip.

  
  

Moving Forward with Grace

Ziyarah blues remind us how transformative spiritual journeys can be. They create a deep contrast between what we experienced and what we’ve returned to, urging us to carry the lessons learned into our everyday lives.

For me, this has been a time of reflection and growth, even amid the challenges.

If you’re feeling post-vacation blues whether from a spiritual retreat or a regular vacation remember to give yourself grace.

Healing takes time, and with mindfulness, self-compassion, and small daily practices, you can bridge the gap between your spiritual self and your daily life.