Post-Vacation Blues

Call me crazy, but I’ve never been the one to say, “I can’t wait until I’m home” while on vacation. I’m always that person crying on the last night, wishing it would never come to an end. I love having to battle through language barriers, trying new cuisine, visiting historical sites, and adapting to the new environment and culture.

If you’re like me, coming back from a vacation is always tough. You’ve experienced a new part of the world, immersed yourself in a new culture, and the trip is still so vivid in your mind. Just the thought of living normal life seems impossible. Everything has changed yet remains the same. Hearing a song that was a “soundtrack of the trip” can instantly make you weepy. You can’t help but daydream of going back and living it all over again.

Here are 5 ways to battle those dreaded post-vacation blues:

1. Stay Grateful
You just had an amazing vacation, so remember to be grateful for such an experience. Appreciate every moment of your travels and never take them for granted. I’ll never forget forget my trips. They’ve opened my eyes to the world and have given me the most beautiful memories that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

2. Explore your backyard
You don’t have to travel far to explore- you can do it right in your own backyard! Pretend to be tourist and have a staycation. There’s so much right there at your disposal to experience. You just have to get out there and explore! Take California for example: we have the beaches, the mountains, and the desert all within driving distance.

3. Try something new
Get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Maybe it’s starting a new hobby or going to that dance class you’ve been wanting to take. Not only will it be a nice distraction, but it might help you gain a new skill. I was so excited when I finally started this blog, which was something I wanted to do for along time, and it helped me feel motivated again.

4. Relax more
After traveling I’m exhausted, but I’m also the most relaxed since I’ve been disconnected and haven’t had to really “adult.” Of course you can’t put off responsibilities, but you can definitely shutoff after work or on the weekends. Light a candle and take a bubble bath, read a book, do yoga, take a long stroll on the beach- there are so many things you can do to help you feel more relaxed and recharged. I try to put my phone away and not check any emails while having some down time on the couch. It’s my favorite way to unwind.

5. Plan your next trip!
Whether it’s 2 weeks abroad or a long weekend, it’s always exciting planning a new trip! Researching your next vacation is fun and gives you something to look forward to. I always pin locations on my Google Maps and make a list of the must-dos. Also looking at pictures of the place I am traveling to gets me so charged up. Just keep the planning going and the trip will be here before you know it!

If you’re experiencing post-vacation blues and reading this, I hope the time between your next trip is short and your vacation is long!

xo,
Ashley