How I Cure The Post-Vacation Blues

The post-vacation blues are real over in my household. I usually feel so ready to get home at the end of a vacation – yet once I’m home and settled I’m quickly reminded of reality and want to be back on vacation again. In case you aren’t caught up, we recently got back from Italy (lots of pictures on my instagram).

Because I’m in the midst of what I call the post-vacation blues, I’ve got some tips on how to ease the pain a bit.

Romper: Plum Pretty Sugar c/o  |  Sandals: River Island (old – love this similar pair)  |  Bag: Veggani c/o  |  Sunglasses: Sunday Somewhere c/o  |  Earrings: Free People

My first tip is to try to conquer the jet lag. There’s no 100% cure for jet lag, but if you find a way to deal with it, it makes it much more manageable. First, I try to time my sleeping on the flight based on where I’m going. For example on the way back to LA, I knew we would be landing at 2:55PM. Since it was an almost 11 hour flight, I slept about halfway, and spent the second half reading and watching movies.

When we got to LA I made sure to stay awake until bedtime, so my body would be on a somewhat normal time schedule. I set an alarm, although my body automatically woke up at 4AM and continued to do so for the next few days. My best tip is that no matter what time you wake up, try your hardest NOT to nap during the day. Then, try to go to bed at a normal time. Eventually your body will get the hint and go back to normal. If you nap it will throw your body clock off and you might not be able to sleep at night. Getting over the jet lag is super important as your sleeping pattern certainly affects your mood.

Next, I try to eat at my favorite restaurants or cook my favorite meals when I get home. This latest trip to Italy has been hard because I’m missing the food SO much. I’m going out of my way to make my classic favorites. Eating my favorite familiar foods is definitely a mood booster.

Another tip is to see your friends who you haven’t seen in awhile. (Either you haven’t seen them because of your vacation or because you’ve been meaning to set a date.) I’m the kind of person whose soul is fed by my friendships. I find seeing my friends, catching up on their lives, (and sharing my travel stories!) is always good for the heart.

Last, I would say discuss your next adventure. Maybe don’t go as far as booking something (unless you have the freedom to, of course!) But I would definitely start the discussions or research. I’ve found talking to Jesse about where we want to go next and when is getting me excited for our next journey together. AND if you read this post, you know I recommend planning your trip more than a few months in advance!

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Photos: Gabi Wells