A few weeks ago, my tennis team traveled to Tucson, Arizona, and did something that very few players ever get a chance to do – we won a U.S. Tennis Association National Championship. It was the pinnacle of a year-long journey that we dreamt of, hoped for and worked towards; and countless hours spent playing, practicing and getting tough.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, no doubt. And an accomplishment for which I am beyond proud.

So why do I feel so sad?

As it turns out, post-success let-down after a big achievement is extremely common. The culmination of anything that requires prolonged time, effort, and energy can bring it about – a big race, a wedding, a big project. The drop in brain chemicals (dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin) can make you feel exhausted and depleted.

A period of recovery is necessary, yet achievers forget this so easily. We are groomed to be industrious and effective, but not to allow for recovery or transition.

So what can you do to get yourself through this recovery period? Here are four tips:

1. Recognize that emotional ups and downs are normal after something big. Even something positive can bring about sadness and fatigue.

2. Keep your schedule light. Don’t expect that you will have the energy to jump back into reality with verve.

3. Pamper yourself. You just achieved something great. Reward yourself. Focus on simple pleasures.

4. Work structure back in gradually. Take it in stages. Don’t take on a new project right away.

We all have such high aspirations that we often forget to be kind to ourselves. Achievement and success are wonderful things. But so is recovery. Allow yourself that. Always.