One minute you are swimming in the ocean, exploring new hiking trails, riding your bike through the countryside, or dancing on the beach, and the next one you need to get dressed and get back to the office. Returning home after travel can oftentimes feel like waking up from a really good dream, and finding yourself back in your “normal” life. Whether you have been away for a week or a couple of months, coping with the return can be a pain. Luckily, there are some ways you can ease this transition.
Jet lag? What jet lag?
As we all know, jet lag can turn you into an insomniac for a couple of days, especially if the time difference was really significant. Instead of trying to stay awake so you do not miss anything fun, give your body a break and time to adjust to your time zone. In other words, sleep, sleep, and then sleep some more. After all, sleeping in your old, comfy bed always feels amazing after so many nights in a tent, hostel, or a guest bed.
Unpack ASAP
Throwing your suitcase or your backpack in the corner of the room and then leaving it there for weeks is not a good idea, especially if you have a ton of dirty clothes in there. Even if you feel like unpacking will burst your bubble and force you to face reality and deal with everyday, ordinary activities, you need to understand that this part is not going to be any easier later. Unpacking is especially important if your trip was a camping trip. In this case, it is important to take care of your equipment as soon as possible so it can serve you on your future travels.
Take care of your living space
Even if you left your home in tip-top condition, over time some dust gathered, windows got smudgy from the rain, and it is probably time to vacuum. The icing on the cake is a ton of dirty laundry that you’ve brought with you. By scheduling regular cleaning services you can take a load of your back and enjoy your cozy and clean home from the moment you come back.
Eat healthy foods
When we travel, we tend to forget about healthy foods and eat way too many unhealthy snacks. If junk food was your companion on your travels, be sure to return to a cleaner diet as soon as possible. Delaying this can only make things harder for you since it will be more difficult to quit cold turkey later on.
Get together with your loved ones
Nowadays, thanks to all those smartphones and apps it is easier than ever to stay connected to your friends and family while you are away. However, while you spent time traveling, you surely missed a get-together or two. Unfortunately, when this happens several times, people start gradually growing apart. To prevent this, find time for your loved ones as soon as you can and spend some quality time with them.
Find a way back to your fitness routine
Your fitness routine was most likely interrupted while you traveled the globe, and that is perfectly fine. Just make sure you reestablish those habits again once you are back. This probably won’t be easy, so start small. After several sessions, you will be ready to push a bit harder. Step by step, you will find a way back to your old routine.
Be patient
Every travel shakes us up and changes our perspective and the way we see the world. Returning home means being back in the same spot with a different state of mind. Finding balance in this changed landscape can be a doozy, but also a great step towards personal growth. Be patient and give yourself time to adjust to this new situation.
Returning to your old life after travel can leave you feeling like a stranger in your own life, but be patient, take time, follow these tips and before you know it you will find your new normal.