There’s nothing worse than coming down from a vacation high. Traveling has this effect that allows you to forget your worries and can even mask your current obligations and stresses. While it may be a great escape from everyday life, it’s important to remember that it’s also short-lived.
Traveling can help you hit that reset button, after all, you’ve earned it after working, saving, and planning for months prior. However, even if this temporary high feels liberating and freeing, it’s important to not fall into a stupor the second you step foot back home.
So how do you beat those dreaded post-vacation blues? Below are some tips on how to adjust after a trip so you can stay on track and plan for your next vacation!
Get Outside
There’s no better way to clear the mind than getting outdoors. Whether you go for a hike or just a stroll around the block, getting some fresh air and moving your body really does wonders for your overall mood and morale. Plus, if you’re feeling jetlagged, walking is a great way to energize the body. Slide on those running shoes, plug in your favorite playlist, and get walking.
Create a To-Do List
One thing that will really give you post-vacation anxiety is all the things you have to do the second you get home. Between work, unpacking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and daily life, you can easily feel overwhelmed by the countless obligations you have yet to face. But before your mind starts spinning out of control, stop for a moment, and breathe. The best thing you can do at this moment is to make a checklist.
Break it down into the first night, first three days, and first week that you’re back if you have to. The more organized you are, the better prepared you’ll feel when you get home. Plus, giving yourself deadlines will help give you a little pressure to unpack that suitcase that usually sits in the corner of your bedroom for weeks. Trust me, stop yourself before you even have the chance to become overwhelmed. Keep yourself distracted by being productive and moving forward.
Exercise
Whether your sad, disappointed, anxious, or nervous, exercise really is the best medicine to overcome the post holiday blues. Not only does it give you a boost of endorphins, but it also takes your mind off of whatever is bothering you, even if it’s just for a little while. If you’re tired from a long flight or feel sluggish after over-indulging all week, some light exercise can really do wonders for your energy and happiness.
Tell Your Family & Loved Ones About Your Trip
Is there anything that a phone call with mom can’t fix? Okay, well maybe a few things. But talking to family about your trip is a quick and easy way to lift your spirits. Don’t avoid talking to loved ones because you feel overwhelmed with everything else that’s going on after your vacation. Calling a loved one will allow you to recap your experiences and share it with people who would appreciate hearing about it.
Write In a Journal
No matter what you’re feeling, write it out. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Let your thoughts flow and don’t overthink it. This simple exercise allows you to visually see your thoughts on paper without having any boundaries. It’s also healthy to write in a journal while traveling, that way you can go back and reflect on your past adventures.
Meet With a Friend
Sometimes when you’ve been traveling with a group of friends and creating new experiences, you can feel a bit lonely the second you get back home once you’re in a familiar space. Seeing a friendly face is a quick and easy way to snap out of any post-vacation funk. Plus, it can also serve as a nice distraction. Sharing your adventures with a friend also allows you to reminisce in a healthy way without feeling pressure from your impending stresses.
Reflect and Be Thankful
Even though your trip might be over, it’s important that you think about all the invaluable experiences, laughs, and lessons you gained along the way. That’s why you traveled in the first place, isn’t it? Make sure you take a moment to really soak in your adventures and reflect on the things you enjoyed most about your time away. Whether it’s writing in your journal or calling up your travel partners, make sure you spend some time appreciating the beautiful life experiences you made, whether you were traveling solo or sharing it with the ones you love.
Plan Your Next Trip
And the best part of traveling? It always leaves you wanting more. We live in a big and beautiful world with lots of places to see. Don’t view your trip as the end of an experience, but rather as a boost of motivation to start planning your next endeavor. Having a vacation on the horizon is always a powerful motivational tool that can keep you going while doing the 9 to 5 hustle. Just remember the faster you plan a trip, the sooner you’ll have something to look forward to.
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