What’s the worst part of a vacation? Without a doubt, it’s the last day - that’s usually when you get the sinking feeling that real life is right around the corner.
Returning to the daily grind from our travel adventures or even a small weekend get-away can leave us feeling empty and flat. But sometimes those post-vacation blues serve a purpose: they may help you realize you need shake things up at home in order to feel fulfilled.
So how can we conquer these post-travel blues?
1. Check yourself.
First and foremost, you need to realize that feeling these emotions when you return to the everyday routine are normal.
Accept that you are going to be feeling a little out of sort for a while and give yourself some time for these emotions to blow over.
2. Hitting the ground running when you return from a trip can help brush off the post-travel blues. I don’t mean running around like a possessed mad-man; but if being busy makes you feel like you are in charge maybe create a to-do list of things you want to get done and then have at it. (If this style isn't your cup of tea, don't worry, there are softer approaches to this list as well)
3. Enjoy being in your own space.
If you are anything like me and value your own space embrace the positives of being at home surrounded by your precious things.
4. Connect with others.
Meeting with friends can help beat the blues when returning home. Catching up with friends over coffee or a bottle of wine not only represents a return to normal life, but also gives you space to share your stories and what you are feeling.
5. Treat yourself.
When you return to normalcy do something nice in between your to-do list tasks. This could be as simple as making your favorite meal, a visit to the hairdresser or a relaxing massage.
Side note; sometimes you've burned through your vacation budget and it’s not always possible to find the money or the resources to escape your every day routine, but there are simple ways to have a blissed-out vacation vibe at home; a cup of tea and a good book, hot bath or shower, an evening stroll by the water.
6. Clean, reorganize, or declutter.
If your space feels stressful and cluttered, it can negatively affect your mood. Changing that space, even in small ways, could improve your state of mind.
If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of decluttering, it’s perfectly fine to concentrate on draw at a time.
7. Exploring your hometown.
Don’t think that just because you are back home, that you cannot have new adventures. Look up some of your local landmarks or travel inspiration near you. Don’t be content with settling into the same old routine.
8. New hobbies, interests or goals.
One of the joys of time off your regular schedule is that you might discover new things.
Engage in something on your return from your travels. Join a book club, enroll in a photography class, or learn how to paint with watercolors.
It doesn’t matter what you pick. The important thing is that you try something that could enrich your life.
9. Book your next trip.
This is about looking forward. Reflect on what you loved about your last trip and use that to plan your next adventure.
Instead of dwelling on what you miss about travelling, focus on your future travel goals by making your next dream trip a reality.
10. Rest.
It’s completely normal to feel a sense of letdown after a vacation, no matter how long or how pleasant the vacation was. To avoid post-vacation blues, try making rest a priority, and give yourself time to readjust after you get home.
Remember that if you get to take some time off; you are lucky: not everyone can (for whatever reason that might be).
Being grateful that you were able to break away from the hustle and bustle is a good place to start. It will help you appreciate the time away and, as a result, make you feel less disappointed that you have to come back to reality.
Vacations can be thought-provoking and sometimes even life-changing. When you’re out of your usual orbits and routines, you gain perspective.
If you found yourself thinking about your purpose, goals, relationships, role in the community, or quality of life, now might be a good time to take some small steps in the direction of the life you want to build.
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