Battling Post-Holiday Blues: A Guide from the
Runpreneur’s Diary

Welcome back, dear readers, to another entry in the vibrant life of a Runpreneur. Today marks consecutive day 1617 of my ultra-running journey—a day dedicated to discussing a topic many of us are all too familiar with: the post-holiday blues. For those who return from a delightful vacation only to be greeted by a wave of melancholy, this one’s for you.

I recently spent a week in Malta with my family. We basked in the bliss of 25-degree sunny days—remarkably warm for early November. Sunbathing in a vest and shorts felt like a distant dream as we landed back in the UK to a much colder reality. The transition from running under the Maltese sun to jogging in the UK’s grey, damp surroundings was jarring, to say the least. Picture this: the leaves seemed to have shed en masse overnight, carpeting the ground in a crunchy mosaic of autumnal shades. The temperature had dipped to a brisk 10 degrees, and I even forgot my gloves, leaving my hands numb from the chill.

On top of that, the clocks had fallen back an hour, making the evenings prematurely dark. This adjustment, coupled with the weight of a busy week ahead at work, created a perfect storm for low spirits. I had to juggle unpacking, prepping for work, and maintaining some semblance of energy for my family, all while trying to stave off stress and frustration.

The question here is, how do we manage this transition without succumbing to the gloom? Unfortunately, there is no magic pill—at least not a legal one—that can instantly lift your spirits and restore your pre-holiday productivity. Understanding it as part of life’s natural ebb and flow can be comforting. Life is a series of highs and lows; a memorable holiday is a high, while the return to routine often feels like a low. However, it’s crucial to remember that this low isn’t as severe as it may seem because our lives contain plenty of joyous moments.

Managing your emotional balance is essential. I strive to keep my emotional highs and lows in check. Celebrating too hard or sinking too deep into despair can make the inevitable transitions more turbulent. Aim for a balanced emotional state where happiness and sadness spike less dramatically. This makes recovery quicker and less intense.

Time is a generous healer. Whether you’re grieving a loss or coping with post-holiday blues, time has a soothing effect. Allow yourself the grace period to readjust. If possible, ease back into your routine rather than diving straight in. However, this isn’t always feasible for everyone. Sometimes, jumping right back in is necessary, especially if unresolved work issues weigh on your mind.

Another critical factor is managing stress. For me, running and being in nature are invaluable for stabilising my mood. Even this run, despite the cold, made me feel infinitely better than when I started. Find what works for you—whether it’s exercise, meditation, or another form of self-care.

Ultimately, recovering from post-holiday blues is about setting realistic expectations and giving yourself time to readjust. You are unlikely to be at your best immediately upon return, and that’s okay. Some may take a few days or even a week to get back into the groove. If you struggle to pull yourself out of the funk, consider seeking therapy. While I primarily vent through my vlogs, actual therapy can be tremendously beneficial for managing emotional volatility.

In conclusion, understand and accept that post-holiday blues are normal. Manage your emotional peaks and troughs, give yourself time to heal, and set realistic expectations for your return to routine. With patience and proper care, you’ll be back to your usual self before you know it.

Remember, if you support my mission of saving children’s lives through the ultimate ultramarathon of daily run vlogging a lap of the world barefoot, please do subscribe, share, like, and comment on my content. The more people we reach, the more funds we raise, and the more lives we can save.

As always, stay positive, stay happy, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.

Warm regards,

Kevin