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If you just came back from an enjoyable trip, you might be experiencing a case of the post-vacation blues. It happens to everyone at some point, especially if you’ve experienced a particularly delightful time while you were away from home. Fortunately, you can break out of this funk if you use the following tips and tricks to help overcome your post-vacation blues. Why ruin the memories of a fantastic time by letting the blues sneak up on you?
Start Planning Your Next Vacation
Begin to plan your next vacation. A little anticipation for doing it all again will give you another fun time away and keep the vacation blues from sneaking up on you. Before you take the plunge and start planning your next vacation, you might want to unpack your bags and settle up any bills you created on your trip. This will allow for budgeting for your next trip. Overspending is common on vacation. A well thought out budget before you plan you next vacation will lesson the blow and the blues. Now, you can start planning your next getaway with a little enthusiasm and a big smile.
Make a List of Items You Didn’t Use
People have a tendency to pack more than they need, unless of course they are experienced travelers who have this task down to a science. Avoid the post-vacation blues by putting these items away until the next time you intend to use them. Then, create a list of each of the items you packed that you did not use. You will be surprised how little you actually need when you are on vacation, especially if there is a washer and dryer.
Shop for Groceries
Since you’ve been away for a while, your refrigerator is probably close to empty. Assess the situation and make a list of everything you need. Then, you can take the sting out of being home by adding a few expensive food items onto the list for a well-deserved treat. Better yet, order your groceries on-line and have them delivered. Save yourself a trip to the grocery store and time running around. You already have a mile long list of things to do. Why not take advantage of InstaCart or other delivery service.
Create a Photo Collage of Your Vacation
While the photos are sure to remind you of what a fun time you had, there’s nothing better than making a collage of your trip to chase away the post-vacation blues. Take a few moments to reminisce and add notes to your collage for an extra touch of fun. You might even want to create a photo collage for your children or parents. If you are tech savvy, create an album and your favorite song from the trip and make a short photo video.
Take a Nap
Whether you fly or drive, being away on a vacation and traveling is tiring. Being tired can make you cranky and unhappy. If you have the time to do so, crawl under the covers and take a nap for a couple of hours. Wake up feeling refreshed and content. If duty calls and you must get to work, plan to get to bed early each night until you feel well-rested and rejuvenated. Be kind to yourself, if your vacation was packed with activities, your tired. Let your body rest, take it easy, and ease back in to reality.
Plan Fun Things to Do Now
Post-vacation blues usually occur because people aren’t having as much fun once they return home as they did while they were away. After all, you probably have to go back to work or school. Rather than simply accepting that your vacation is over, why not plan a few weekend getaways and other fun activities to keep your mind off the end of your vacation?
Get Back into Your Daily Routine
As mundane as they might be, your daily routines can keep you out of trouble, particularly when depression enters the picture. It will take a few days to get back to your regular sleeping and eating patterns. Once your sleeping and eating patterns are back to normal you will feel a sense of relaxation and familiarity.
Get Some Air
Rest after returning is important, but so is getting out and getting some fresh air. If you have an exercise routine, get back to it. Take it easy at first, but return to your routine as soon as your body allows. Just taking a short stroll outside can lift the spirits. Getting outside, even for a few moments can doing wonders for all the feel good hormones.
Plan to Do Something You’ve Been Putting Off Doing
One of the easiest ways to keep yourself from feeling blue about the end of your time away from work and home is to plan for something on your “to-do” list. Perhaps a home improvement project that you’ve been putting off ? Why not start planning to get it done in the next few months?
Final Words
Once reality kicks in and you realize you are no longer on your trip, the post-vacation blues are usually on their way. While you can’t avoid these feelings of sadness or disappointment entirely, you should be able to chase them away with a carefully planned attack. Planning includes keeping busy and participating in fun activities. Don’t let yourself get bogged down in a post-vacation depression. You have options to explore. Take advantage of a few tips and tricks to help you overcome your post-vacation blues. In no time, you will have a smile back on your face while thinking about your fantastic vacation.