Avoid The Post-Vacation Blues

Ahhh…vacation! It’s just what the doctor ordered and more than a little overdue. It brings you back to center and helps you remember what life is all about. No matter where you went, or if it was only a weekend, the moment of truth painfully arrives - tomorrow you are going home. Home? For one brief moment you actually forgot you had a home anywhere else. But, now you’ve got to come to terms with going back to work, back to school and back to reality. So how does one manage to hold on to that vacation feeling? Does the re-entry process have to be such a rude awakening? Here are 4 helpful tips to make your transitional journey home smoother and to keep the vacation mindset alive.

1. Keep the vacation dream alive:
The thrill of travel or the pursuit of leisure time brings a smile to most. We plan, scheme, research and daydream. We mark our calendars and shop for vacation attire. One way to take the edge off the vacation let down is to have the next vacation already in mind. You may want to make the next vacation your first personal project upon your return.

2. Bring home vacation reminders:
Make sure one of your souvenirs is an item reminds you of that vacation destination, so that each time you see it, it takes you back. Great ideas: artwork, pottery, music CD.

3. One more day:
Psychologists suggest budgeting at least one or two full leisure days at home prior to having to get back into full swing. If you get back Sunday night and have to get up for work on Monday, it is jarring experience. We really do go through a reentry process. Allowing yourself to let go of the vacation more gradually will be less stressful - so when planning a vacation always leave at least one day to do the laundry, go throuth the mail and jut take it easy.

4. A picture is worth a thousand words:
Get your vacation pictures developed right away. Make your favorite vacation memory your screen saver on your computer or put one in a frame and keep it on your desk. The vacation glow will fade along with your tan, but at least you can revive it when you need a one-minute vacation getaway!

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