I have a big trip planned this summer so I keep thinking what’s the best way to come back feeling refreshed. So I thought of 10 ways to feel refreshed after vacation. Returning home from a vacation can sometimes leave you feeling more exhausted than rejuvenated. Between unpacking, catching up on responsibilities, and adjusting back to daily routines, post-vacation blues can hit hard. Instead of diving right back into the grind, take a little time to reset. Here are 10 ways to feel refreshed after vacation and ready to get back into your routine after a trip.
1. Unpack Immediately
I’ll be honest—many people do this right away, but that’s not usually me. We’ll be getting in at 9 p.m., and while we’ll unload the car, I plan to tackle unpacking the next day. This small delay helps me mentally transition from travel mode to home mode. When you do unpack, be sure to do your laundry, put away souvenirs, and store your luggage to create a clutter-free space.
2. Hydrate and Nourish Your Body
Traveling can dehydrate you, especially if you’ve been flying or indulging in different cuisines. Replenish your body by drinking plenty of water, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and incorporating nutritious meals into your diet.
Links: Water bottle
3. Prioritize Sleep
Time zone changes, early flights, and packed itineraries can throw off your sleep schedule. Since our return trip will be a long day, I plan to head straight to bed once the car is unloaded. One thing I always do before leaving is put fresh sheets on the bed—there’s nothing better than coming home to a clean, cozy space for a good night’s rest. If you’re struggling to reset your sleep cycle, try going to bed early, taking a short nap, or using sleep aids like lavender essential oil or white noise.
Links: Lavender Essential Oil, WhiteNoise, Sheets
4. Ease Back into Your Routine
Give yourself a buffer day between returning home and jumping back into work or obligations. Use this time to settle in, do light household tasks, and mentally prepare for the days ahead.
5. Tidy Up Your Space
A clean and organized home can make you feel instantly refreshed. I always try to clean as much as possible before leaving, but no matter what, there’s often a stale or musty smell when we return. To freshen up the space, open the curtains and windows to let in natural light and fresh air. Doing a quick reset by vacuuming and wiping down surfaces can also help your home feel inviting again.
6. Take a Long Shower or Bath
A refreshing shower or a soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts can work wonders. It helps wash away travel grime and soothes tired muscles, leaving you feeling clean and revitalized. I love adding a shower steamer for an invigorating scent—it makes the experience feel even more refreshing. After a long day of travel, I always make sure to take a shower before bed to fully unwind and reset for the next day.
Link: shower steamer, Epsom salts
7. Move Your Body
Whether it’s a light yoga session, a brisk walk, or some stretching, getting your body moving helps boost circulation and fight off sluggishness from long travel hours. Another trick for myself is a have to set a time, such as I will be out for a walk before 11:00 am.
Link: Walking Shoes
8. Do a Mini Digital Detox
Instead of diving straight into emails and social media, take a few hours to unplug. Spend time reading, journaling, or simply enjoying a quiet moment without digital distractions. My goal will be at least half the day, the day after we get back.
Links: Travel Journaling
9. Reflect on Your Trip
One of my favorite parts is going through photos and making the shared family photo album. Take time to appreciate your travel experiences by organizing photos, writing about your favorite moments, or sharing stories with friends and family. This helps you savor the joy of your vacation while smoothly transitioning back to reality.
10. Preparing for upcoming things
If you don’t get to this step, no problem—the most important thing the next day is living in the moment of being home and reflecting on the memories of your trip. However, for some, looking ahead a little and planning out the next couple of weeks can help reduce stress. Don’t spend too much time on this step—maybe set a timer for yourself so you can stay organized without feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
By taking these small but impactful steps, you’ll find yourself feeling refreshed and ready to take on your daily routine with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Welcome home! Thanks for reading 10 ways to feel refreshed after vacation.
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