Vacations do us a world of good. But what makes taking a break from our daily lives so beneficial? And can we bring a touch of that vacation relaxation to our everyday routines? OpenUp Psychologist Sarah explains how to stay relaxed, even when you start to feel that post-vacation stress kick in.
Think of your vacation as a recovery period for your mind and body. By putting most of your responsibilities on hold for a while, you don’t experience as much stress. And since there’s no alarm clock waking you up, long hours at the office, workout classes or other urgent tasks, you’re able to slowly fall back into a natural rhythm of eating, exertion and resting. However, dealing with stressors when you return from vacation can make you dread returning to real life.Ā Let’s look at how to keep stress levels at bay after returning to reality post-vacation, and explore the best tips to keep you in a relaxed mindset.
Preparation is Key: Pre-Vacation Planning
A bit of preparation before you go can help you hold onto that relaxed state longer. At work, ensure key tasks are completed or handed over to a colleague so that you donāt return to an overwhelming to-do list. At home, think about handling some essentials ahead of time: tidy up, finish any laundry, and stock the freezer with ready-to-eat meals. That way, youāll come back to an organised space with no immediate chores or admin to handle.
For a softer landing back into everyday life, try not to over-schedule your first few days back. Keep meetings to a minimum and allow some quiet evenings at home, where you can ease back in with small treatsāperhaps a favourite meal or relaxing bath. By planning for a gentler re-entry, you can carry that holiday mindset a little longer and remind yourself that relaxation isnāt just for holidays; it can be part of your routine all year round.
Tips to Decrease Your Stress Levels Post-Vacation
Returning to everyday life doesnāt have to mean losing the calm you gained on holiday. Here are five practical ways to hold onto that relaxed mindset, keeping stress in check as you ease back into your routine:
1. Set Aside Unstructured Days
Schedule a couple of ādo-nothingā evenings or weekend days in your first few weeks back. Use these for low-key activities, whether itās a gentle walk, a good book, your favourite TV show, or simply an evening without plans. This unstructured time provides a mini recharge and helps keep your stress levels low by giving you time to unwind without feeling pressured to ācatch up.ā
2. Incorporate Holiday Rituals into Your Daily Routine
Think about the small routines that helped you unwind on holiday and bring one or two into your daily life. Was it enjoying a leisurely breakfast, a morning stretch, or an evening walk? Try integrating these habits into your regular schedule, like a phone-free coffee in the morning or a quick stretch before bed. These small rituals act as daily stress buffers, reminding you of that relaxed holiday mindset.
3. Plan Mini Breaks for Stress Relief
Itās easy to feel overwhelmed when the next holiday seems too far away. Scheduling a few local outings or mini breaksālike a spa day, a hike, or a weekend with fun plansācan give you something to look forward to and offer regular stress relief.
4. Set Digital Boundaries to Keep Your Mind Calm
One of the quickest ways to bring back stress post-holiday is to jump back into constant digital interactions. To maintain a sense of calm, set a few boundaries with your devices. Try a āscreen-freeā hour in the morning or evening and silence non-essential notifications. These small breaks from digital distractions create breathing space in your day, making it easier to unwind and stay grounded.
5. Keep Evenings Low-Key to Wind Down
Incorporate slow, relaxing activities into your evenings to help keep stress low. Instead of diving into a busy to-do list, try winding down with something calming, like listening to music, doing a gentle stretch, or cooking a simple meal. These easygoing evenings act as natural pauses in your week, allowing you to maintain a sense of balance and relaxation even after the holiday glow starts to fade.
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