Learn: How to Recover From Your Vacation

About a month ago, my best friend and I each went away on different trips. Neither were overly adventurous, but nor were they super restful either. Then three days after we returned, we checked in over text. We were both exhausted. Our bodies were detoxing from eating food that we don’t normally eat, and we were finding it hard to readjust back to our normal lives. Through our conversation, I was reminded, that though it seems completely opposite of how things should be, sometimes:

We really need a vacation after our vacation.

Whether we’ve spent a whole week at a resort, sitting on the beach—or we’ve camped eight days straight in the wilderness—we all seem to come back a little wiped out from the trip that was supposed to rejuvenate us. True, we aren’t tired in the way that we were when we left—eyes bloodshot from looking at our computers and bodies weary of the nine to five. Yet somehow, when we arrive home, it feels as if our body is the airplane, and we are coming in for a landing.

So how do we get back on track?

I find it is never easy. But over the years, I have learned a few things that help me. Here is what I do and what I did when I returned from my recent trip:

Hydrate

After a trip it is good to make sure you are drinking enough water. Not just because you may have been on a plane, but also because water is one of those things that help flush out all the toxins we may have taken in on our trip (through eating new foods, time in the sun, or being in public spaces). If you struggle to drink water, try adding lemon or cucumber—it will add some flavor and further help in the detox process.

Drink herbal tea

When I come home after a long trip, sometimes it feels as if my body is all wired up yet exhausted at the same time. I know I need to sleep, but I can’t seem to relax. But, if I sit, slowly drinking a cup of herbal tea, things begin to calm down inside. The more calm I am, the better I can sleep, and the better I will be to face the world the next day.

Now, I realize that if it is ninety degrees when you come home, drinking tea will not be appealing. So, look for other ways to begin to relax—take a shower, diffuse some essential oils, light a candle, etc.

Get back into your exercise routine

One of the first things to go when we get back from a vacation, is usually exercise. We come home from work and we just want to sit on the couch. But moving our bodies can further help us recover the energy we need in our everyday lives. The good news though, is that we don’t have to do an intense workout the week we come back. Slowly ease in by doing restorative exercises like yoga, that will stretch out and strengthen our bodies at the same time.

Eat as healthily as you can

The more vegetables and healthy proteins you eat this first week back, the more your body can begin to recover from what you ate on your vacation. Try to limit heavy fats or sugars, and focus on leafy greens and in season fruits. For the past two years, after returning from visiting family over the holidays, my husband and I have done a “whole 7.” We follow the detox standards of the Whole 30 Program for seven days. It helps our bodies feel better sooner, and strengthens us to fight off any colds we’ve inevitably picked up on our travels.

Give yourself grace

The first week back from any trip is bound to be rocky. You’re not going to be your ultimate self in all situations, so just do your best. Take time to care for your body and soul, so that you can continue to care for those around you. At work and at home, do the things that absolutely must be done, and then let the rest go. Say no to things you thought you would be able to do before you went away, but now can’t seem to gather strength for. And just hold on, because in a few days you will begin to feel like you again.