LIFE

POV: You just got home from a 10/10 vacay and, tbh, the vibes are not vibing. One day you're eating the most delicious berry pancakes and the next you're back at home facing your basic toaster waffles. Let's face it: Getting back to normal life after vacation can be pretty hard. Instead of avoiding reality and hoping all your responsibilities will just disappear (they probably won't, unfortch), we're here to help you get all your ducks in a row and re-enter normalcy feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on whatever life throws at you. 

1. Get a good night's sleep

Of course, before you can start up again with your normal routine, you have to actually return home. Even though travel days often consist of a lot of sitting and waiting (cars, planes, trains—you name it), they can also be really exhausting. The day or night you return home, don't do anything. OK, maybe take a shower and hug your dog. But, other than that, try to relax. Go to sleep at your normal hour (this is especially important if you're dealing with a time change) and enjoy sleeping in your own comfy bed! You can deal with the rest of your post-vacay checklist tomorrow. 

2. Unpack

Although it's not nearly as fun as packing for a trip, unpacking is a very important step in getting back to normal life. Put your dirty clothes in the hamper, your souvenirs on a shelf and your suitcase back in storage. Remember, getting organized isn't all bad. Regaining access to your complete wardrobe after living out of a suitcase for a week is actually a fab feeling.

3. Re-acquaint yourself with your space

Vacation is useful for providing a fresh perspective when you return home. So, set aside some time to change things up, if needed. Maybe you got some major interior design inspo on your travels. Now's the perfect time to try a new arrangement! Making small changes to your bedroom space eliminates that frustrating, life-is-so-boring feeling you might be having. Plus, transforming your space can give you something to be excited about!

4. Reflect

Now you're sitting in your tidied room, with all your belongings put away, and still thinking back to all the fun you had on your trip. Don't push those feelings away! Use them to fuel some post-vacation reflection. Go through photos and choose which ones are getting posted to Instagram or VSCO. Grab a journal and jot down things you don't want to forget, like the hilarious waiter from dinner that one night or the sound of the waves just outside your window. Capturing your memories this way will help you record all the fun you had, so you can look back on your trip for years to come. 

5. Enjoy being home

Traveling can be amaze, we know. Between trying different yummy foods, exploring a city you've never seen and meeting cool new people, you always come back with crazy stories and sentimental memories. There are some perks to being home, though. Think about it—your favorite tea is just a cabinet away, you can catch up with all your friends and, maybe most importantly, you know how the shower works. Take time to practice gratitude for these little joys of being home, and returning from vacation may not seem so bad after all. 

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Did you make any travel vlogs? Tag us in your adventure videos on TikTok @girlslifemag!

Top image: @allieprovost
All GIFs via Giphy

by Riley Yates | 7/28/2023