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You have just come back from the long holidays and the work is perhaps making you feel down in the dumps, which is getting you worried. But QUT psychology lecturer associate professor Robert Schweitzer says that your reaction is perfectly normal.

Holidays are the time when we feel like we are so much in control of our lives and we can do what we want, points out professor Schweitzer, according to Medical Xpress.

"That might be reading a book, listening to music, socialising with family and friends," says Schweitzer. He further says that perhaps the best way to deal with the post-holiday blues is to carry the best aspect of the holiday along with you.

"Think about what aspect of your holiday was most satisfying," he said.

"You may have taken up a new interest, gone dancing or played a sport you don't usually play or hadn't in years. It's important to allocate time for that interest in your life."

He noted that it is usually the parents who experience the holiday blues the most as during holidays, they get to spend a lot of time with their children, either on the beach or somewhere far away from everyday life.

"While it can be hard to find the time to do so once you go back to work, if you can prioritize and allocate time to family and children, you may not feel so bad about the holiday being over. Look forward to the next play time, or sporting event or whatever it is that gives you pleasure. Rather than thinking of the holidays as privileged times when we relax and do what we want to do, take control of your out-of-work time and then you'll be able to take a little bit of that holiday atmosphere with you through the year."

According to Schweitzer, the environment at the workplace also makes a difference in the blues people experience post-holidays.

"Workdays are often getting longer, so it's important for people to have a good break. People who work for employers who respect a healthy work-life balance and allow people the flexibility that is needed to run a home and family and still meet work commitments are more likely to feel a shade less blue as they return to work. So too are those who ditched the iPhone while on holidays. iPhones mean people are constantly at the bequest of others, including workplaces. And, if it's any consolation, the bosses are probably experiencing the post-holiday blues, too."

He suggested that people become aware of their responses at the end of the break. Including oneself in normal day-to-day life and prioritizing time for the most important relationships, as well as appreciating the good aspects of work life may help the post-holiday blues.

"Gaining a sense of being in charge of our decisions is always helpful," he said.