Vacations are amazing, well most of the time when moms can actually relax and there are no major vacay fails. It's a break away from the everyday routine of work or school or camp or anywhere that isn't time off. Sometimes it constitutes a big trip, maybe to Disney World. Maybe the trip was just to beach, Hershey Park or a staycation. No matter where it is, or was, it's different (and hopefully) super fun. There's rides or yummy food or jumping on hotel beds. Then, just as soon as it starts, it's time to go home. And the time spent after a trip just is a total struggle.
There's nothing as cool as Mickey to keep the kids occupied, but when moms come back, real life hits hard: from bills to messes maid services aren't there to clean up. There's good news and bad new here. The bad news is that going back to something less fun will never be amazing. The good news is that there are ways to make the transition less painful. The key is proper planning and some self-care.
Before the trip, it's important to plan ahead so that post-trip mom is happy. That means cleaning up the house or taking care of bills. It's also important to know it's OK to not jump right back into a routine the minute everyone is out of the car or airplane. Like stepping into a hot tub, ease back into reality by doing things that are relaxing and fun. Throw on a sheet mask to simulate the spa. Or visit the local pool or park to still get some sunshine.
Check out more ideas below and hang in there. The next vacation will come around soon. As the kids say, "yeet."
Lay by a Pool
Just because the vacation is over doesn't mean pool time is. Head out to the backyard or the community pool and sit back. Because sunshine is always a good idea.
Get a Manicure
Traveling is tiresome, even if the vacation part was fun. Get pampered at the nail salon. A new color always cheers people up.
Do a Face Mask
The heat can do a number of skin, especially if sunburn is involved. Break out a face mask to bring it back to life and also take a quick post-vacation breather.
Plan a Rest Day
This one works better when it's planned before the trip, but if it's possible, plan a day to relax after getting home and before going back to work. It allows time to unpack, unwind, and get everything in order again.
Have an Easy-Meal Night
There's nothing worse than coming back from not worrying about cooking to immediately having to plan and cook meals. Save some cash to get some takeout or pizza the first night back.
See a Movie
Combat the blues after a vacation by doing a full 180 and embracing the indoors. Go to a cool movie that would have been weird to watch on vacation.
Clean the House Before the Vacation
Another one that works best when done before a trip, cleaning the house before leaving will majorly reduce anxiety upon returning home. And one less thing to worry about. It all adds up.
Find a New Book
One of the most exciting things about being on the beach is having a good book. Why not extend that excitement by having a new book ready to go at home?
Take a Walk
It's simple, it's free, it's relaxing. And a great way to clear the mind and ease anxiety. So grab waking shoes and head out. Bonus: The kids can come along.
Plan Time to Catch Up on Emails
Just thinking about all the emails amassing while one is away on vacation is enough to induce anxiety. Set up an hour or so upon returning just dedicated to sifting through email. It'll make things a lot more manageable, the anticipation leading up to it included.
Catch Up on Bills Before Leaving
Another way to take some stress out of the post-vacation blues is to get ahead on bills before leaving. Or setting aside money or time to tackle them upon return.
Get a Pedicure
Pedicures are the epitome of relaxation for a reason. If vacation included a lot of walking, then this is the perfect way to ease back into the week.
Plan a Date Night
Planning a date can create something new to look forward to and give mom and dad time to unwind alone. Quality time is important whether it's on vacation or at home.
Find Something to Look Forward to Again Soon
Like planning a date night, having another event or exciting trip or activity to look forward to can take the mind off the fact that vacation has ended. It can be big or small, as look as it makes mom smile.
Download a Meditation App
Vacation can often be a go-go-go situation. Slow it down and make some down time by downloading a free meditation and and taking a few moments of calm.
Drink a Smoothie
Chances are the diet on vacation wasn't all that healthy. When the body feels good, so does the mind, so kick start it with something healthy and refreshing, like a smoothie.
Go for a Run or to a Workout Class
Endorphins are another way to jump start a mood. Keep those happy vacation feelings going, just in a different way, with a run.
Unpack Right Away
This one may not seem like self-care but a week later when there is no more to unpack, it will be a blessing. Dedicate some time to getting the task over with and check it off the list.
Don't Make Plans the First Week Back
Another simple thing to do to make the after-trip blues easier to handle is to not overload on plans immediately upon returning home. Save the busy play dates and coffee dates until life is back to normal again.
Find a Park & Relax
When time is short, just grab the kids and head to the park. It's no lake or beach, but there's fresh air and grass. Close enough.
