3 Simple Ways to Get Back on Track Post-Holiday

Summer is a time for travel. As you know, I have spent the last few weeks on a road trip with my family. It was wonderful, exciting, memorable, and just a little overwhelming. Though it was great to get away from work and everyday responsibilities for a while...coming home was a total relief. It was incredible to see my husband, sleep in my own bed, and feel somewhat normal again. The only real downside? After a getaway (whether it is short, long, or somewhere in between), I usually find myself feeling down. This is known as post-travel depression and it is caused by the disorientation of getting back into a routine.

While post-travel depression is fairly common, it can still be upsetting and frustrating to deal with. Especially after such a great trip! Not to worry. Here are three simple ways to help you (and me) get back on track post-holiday.

1) Return to Your Workout Routine Right Away

Something I like to do? Give myself a few days after a vacation to adjust. Typically during that time, I will sleep, watch TV, and sleep some more. The last thing on my agenda is a good workout. However, skipping your workout can actually make you feel stressed, overwhelmed, and even more fatigued. So make time for a short workout once you return home. (It could be something like a brisk walk, a run, or a workout DVD. It doesn't have to be a full-blown bootcamp style workout!) The whole point is to get yourself moving.

2) Give Yourself Time to Reminisce 

It's okay to look back at your vacation photos and think, I wish I was still there. This is a natural response. We have a tendency to see our travel experiences with rose coloured glasses, so it only makes sense that we want to live it again! Give yourself time to reminisce by posting your favourite travel photos on social media, writing about your getaway, and sharing stories with friends. Take the opportunity to feel grateful and blessed to have experienced so many wonderful things. Then channel that feeling of gratitude into your everyday life.

3) Find Something Positive to Focus On

One of the main causes of post-travel depression is the feeling that there is nothing left to look forward to. Most of us plan vacations several months in advance. So, we are constantly thinking, planning, and preparing. When that ends, it can seem like there is nothing exciting happening in our lives. Find something positive to channel your energy into. It could be a passion project or hobby, an upcoming concert, or even thinking about the next vacation you will take in the future. Remember: there is always something to look forward to!

How to Prevent Post-Travel Depression. If you have a vacation coming up this summer....plan ahead! There are a few things you can do to prevent post-travel depression from setting in upon your return. A few examples include: cleaning the house completely (laundry included) so you will come home to a stress free environment, returning to work on a Tuesday instead of a stress-filled Monday, and bringing pictures from home with you on your trip.

Something else that is helping me get back on track? Focusing on my YouTube channel. Take a peek at the latest upload....dedicated to my favourite liquid lipsticks.


There you have it! A few ways to help you get back on track after your totally amazing holiday. Over the next several days, I will be sharing some of my travel photos and stories with you....so stay tuned!

Will you be travelling this summer?

xo Shannon