Hello, friends, and welcome back, and thanks for visiting today!
I’ve been a little out of sorts lately, and I’m really trying to get back into the rhythm of making regular posts. I’ve been pulled in so many directions this season between work and family obligations, while also working behind the scenes on my 31 Days of Halloween series, which starts October 1st. I’ve been doing a ton of planning, which has kept me away but really busy.
Whether you’re traveling for leisure, work, or to check in on a family member or loved one, the transition back home and straight into house admin mode can be daunting. I’ve read that post-vacation blues is a real thing, with symptoms that may include a deep feeling of hopelessness or frustration, a lack of inspiration or motivation, and feelings of anxiety or irritability. Unlike clinical depression, post-vacation blues tends to have a short lifespan and only occurs following the holidays or a vacation. (Source: The Good Trade)
I took a weekend trip to the ATL to see family, and even though the trip was short—and I tried to prep for both the before and after—I still came home to things that needed to be done. Emptying the dishwasher, doing laundry, unpacking, and getting myself ready for three busy workdays and two meetings.
These things never used to take such a toll on me. But WOW…as I get older, I’m realizing that my body and nervous system need a little more rest and recovery when my normal routine gets thrown off.
For me, my issues have always seemed to center around one thing: fatigue. That headache out of nowhere, digestion issues, and joint and muscle aches are my body’s warning system to rest.
So, I wanted to share some of the things I do to help reset my natural rhythm, recharge, and simply get back to feeling normal again.
What does this look like?
𖡎 1. Rest/No Alarm: This means letting my body wake up naturally and resting for the remainder of that day (or a large portion of it), which doesn’t always mean sleep. The art of NOT MOVING is really magical.
𖡎 2. Mobility: Doing a 15- to 20-minute mobility routine to help my aching joints and my muscles acclimate to my normal balance.
𖡎 3. Grocery shopping/the Kitchen. My refrigerator was (almost) empty when I left, and that was purposeful because one of the things that I do before I leave is make sure I throw away anything perishable. I also give my kitchen a good clean the night before and run the dishwasher.
𖡎 4. Laundry, laundry, laundry: After I rest up, I’ll strip my bed and wash all my bed linens, towels, and the clothes in my suitcase. I also empty, clean, and put my carry-on away. I never let my luggage sit out more than 2 days after travel.
𖡎 5. Pampering: A nice hot shower, a good face mask, some time in front of the TV, and a home-cooked meal is the finale.
I cannot stress enough that downtime, even though it seems like you’re wasting time, is so important. It’s so ingrained in us to keep moving and keep doing, and we feel like we have to do all these tasks. I want to listen to my body and its natural rhythm.
ALSO NOTE: I took an extra day off the week I returned so I would have some time for the things that need to be done to keep my house humming and the things my body requires. I know not everyone has the luxury of a full day off, but even half a day or telework can make all the difference.
These are just a few tasks I do to restore balance, calm my nervous system, and return to a natural rhythm after travel.
Natrium Body Wash / Sleep Mask / Proofed Laundry Sheets / Linen Bedding / Harney & Sons Tea / Calia Yoga Mat / Le Monde Gourmand CoCo Mist / Cashmere socks
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