For some reason, I am relieved when the holidays are over rather than let down :)

Our family owned business is tax related, how much more un-interesting can it get?!

LA:
You mentioned that you returned from your trip and went to back to work the next day. What about scheduling a "down day" after you get back? Allow yourself one full day to relax and absorb everything that's happened. But then again, maybe you would rather stay busy.
And I agree with the previous comment that daydreaming is a great remedy!

siena1, I actually wanted to do that but had no choice since we were using FF miles for our flights and could only get a Sunday return. Do to tax deadlines, we had to work Monday. I've been able to do that in the past though and I'm not sure if it helped or just left me spending a whole day dreading the return to work! I'm still desperately trying to snap out of it. It's all I can do to keep from just getting up and leaving my office during the day.

As far as going back to work the day after getting back from vacation...well...I do it all of the time. I don't have time for a "down" day...plus all flights don't fly everyday in order to do that. I flew from Ghana,West Africa to Milan,Italy to Atlanta, Georgia and then back to L.A....after my two week vacation in Ghana... and was back at work the next day. It's been the same coming from Bangkok...back to work at 7:30AM the next morning. I'm used to having to re-adjust quickly. Happy Travels!

Here's a thought: For the next 7-8 days plan a treat each day
Thursday:Noon 30 min. seated massage
Friday: Pedicure after work
Saturday: mini-Facial
Sunday: Lunch at a fabulous
restaurant
Monday:Manicure
Tuesday: Only Healthy Food today--
freshly made fruit and vegetable juice,
big salad with lots of greens,organic
mango sorbet for dessert
Wednesday:Walk three miles
Thursday: New dress/matching inexpensive
earrings
Friday:Movie with the big popcorn
and soda
If nothing else, you'll look fabulous..

schoong324, I like your suggestions, but I'm afraid I wouldn't quit after just a week and would end up broke :)
Not to mention the lack of time I have for pampering right now. Work is just out of control. Geez, I just got my pay check showing I now have -7.4 hours of vacation time accumulated. How fricking depressing is that!!!

Hi LA,

Sorry to hear you are still suffering!
Put that pen down, get out of the office and take a break. Walk for 1/2 hour and do some deep breathing, I know it will all still be there when you get back but some fresh air and a tiny bit of down time each day might work. Think positive! Don't let it get to you.

Just remember, in 7 days you will be in the plus and every day after that will be 1 day closer to the next vacation.

Been thinking of you.

Hi LA-

You ARE suffering from jet lag, whether you feel it or not. I too feel really down in the dumps when I come back from Thailand, and I love my job. Just have faith that you'll feel better and listen to what some of the others say, like exercise, good sleep. Coffee is a nice pick me up, but don't overdo it or you'll feel worse. Next thing you know, you'll be you old self again:)

Kurt

Mango7, you may be right about the jet lag. I haven't had any trouble sleeping at night, but I am terribly tired in the afternoon. I find myself napping after work for a few hours and then staying up to 2AM, which seems to be making things worse! Maybe I can try to get back to "normal" sleep patterns this weekend.

Maudie, I wish I could get back into the positive vacation time in seven days, but I don't earn vacation time quite that quick. I earn just over 3 hours per week, so it'll take almost three weeks just to not "owe" them time! Ugh! This sucks.