Summer break is soon coming to an end, and maybe you’re coming back home from a road trip across historic cities, a camping adventure in the great outdoors, or even a fun Disney cruise.
Wherever you’re coming back from, returning home after a vacation can feel like waking up from a dream. It doesn’t even matter whether you were gone for a weekend, for a week, or even for a month. Vacations are a breath of fresh air and are filled with so much excitement, adventure, and relaxation.
But the return to everyday life can feel like stepping into a whole different world. You come back to work only to find your email inbox flooded with a thousand new messages, your mountain of laundry seems never-ending, and you have to jump back into the routine of managing the kids’ schedules and activities. Not to mention, you still haven’t unpacked all your bags, or dealt with the pile of chores waiting for you.
I mean, you probably could really use one of those margaritas from the all-inclusive resort right about now. So if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and miss the carefree days of your trip, here are my five tips to overcome the post-vacation blues.
1. Embrace the Sadness
It’s okay to feel sad about the end of your vacation. Acknowledging and accepting these emotions rather than suppressing them can help you process the transition. Use the rain as a comforting backdrop for introspection, allowing yourself to think about what made your vacation special and why you feel this way.
2. Reflect and Relive
Take time to go through your photos, videos, and souvenirs from your trip, or relive the experiences by sharing stories with your friends and family. This can help you cherish the memories and integrate them into your life. Creating a photo album or scrapbook, journaling, or even editing a vlog can all be therapeutic ways to preserve these moments.
3. Recreate Vacation Moments
Incorporate elements of your vacation into your daily routine. If you enjoyed the local cuisine, try cooking some of the dishes at home. If you loved the serene mornings, carve out time in your day for a quiet coffee or meditation. These small touches can help you feel connected to the joy you experienced on your trip.
4. Practice Self-Care
Returning to routine can be stressful, so it’s important to practice self-care. Exercise, eat well, and make sure you’re getting enough rest. Engage in activities that you enjoy and help you relax. Things like diving into a new book, hitting a kickboxing class, or watching a new Netflix show in bed always help me unwind and feel more grounded.
5. Plan Your Next Adventure
And last but not least, start planning your next getaway, even if it’s a small day trip. Having something to look forward to can be a great motivator. I love scrolling through TikTok for vacation ideas and inspiration. Researching new destinations and making tentative plans is a great way to channel your energy into something fun and uplifting.
Returning home from a vacation can be a complete drag. The post-vacation blues might set in, but spotting the little things in everyday life can help make the switch easier. Remember: embrace those tiny joys, and keep that adventurous spirit going strong.
Until the next trip, savour all those in-between moments!
The Lilac Blog 