How not to need a vacation after your vacation

Last updated on 30th November, 2023 at 11:23 am

It’s not uncommon to return from a vacation feeling like you need another one just to recover. Here’s what you can do to avoid those post-holiday blues.

Reading time: 3 minutes 

In this article you’ll learn:

• About what goes into a well-balanced holiday itinerary.
• The importance of rest – during and after your trip.
• How to ease back into your daily routine.

So, you’ve tracked more than 200 000 steps (and counting), bathed in the summer sun, and explored just about every museum during your one-week getaway. Exhausting, right? While a vacation is about relaxing and taking a break from the daily grind, it’s not unusual to return home feeling like you need another one – just to recover.

Before your holiday

Planning for your trip is as much a part of your vacation experience – and equally as enjoyable – as hopping onto a plane and setting foot in a new country. According to Harvard Business Review “taking a vacation – and even just planning for it – can also improve your mood”.

Proper planning gives you time to consider the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to have while setting a realistic timeframe in which to do so. Make sure you spend time:

• Creating an itinerary
• Establishing a budget
• Making all necessary bookings

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During your holiday

 En route to a well-balanced itinerary

A well-balanced holiday itinerary includes a mix of relaxation, exploration, and leisure activities with the chance to discover new places and experience different cultures. But it also needs to give you time to recharge and create lasting memories.

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Watch what you eat

You can’t completely avoid local cuisine while on holiday, but you can choose to feast on nutritious foods and indulge in moderation. According to WebMD, it “isn’t [always about] what you are eating as much as how much you eat that gets you into nutritional trouble”.

It’s important to stay energised and healthy, too. Consider amping up your diet with nuts, trail mix, fresh fruits, or veggies, and protein bars.

Get enough shut-eye

Vacations can be physically and mentally exhausting. You might be in a different time zone and spending most of your time exploring local sights. Sleep is crucial not only for helping your body recover, but also for boosting your mood and enhancing your cognitive functions.

After your holiday

To avoid post-holiday blues from kicking in, aim to take a day or two to ease your way back into your routine. You should:

• Get your sleep back on track by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
• Schedule time to reconnect with yourself – and your loved ones
• Get organised both mentally and physically
• Make wellness a priority by reintroducing exercise

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