Whether we are returning from vacation, wrapping up from the holidays, or finishing a three-day weekend, it is seemingly inevitable that we will get thrown off our daily routine. Dishes and laundry start to pile up, leaving out brains completely cluttered and seemingly negating the relaxation we just enjoyed.
It’s no secret that mitigating this inevitability takes discipline! With that in mind, here are my three tips to help you stay on track after some prolonged relaxation.
1. Create a list of non-negotiables.
What I mean by this is that you should identify a list of activities or practices you adhere to every day without question to help maintain your wellbeing while you are on vacation or taking time off. Even if it’s as simple as drinking eight glasses of water, getting adequate sleep, or sifting through your work email, continuing to do this every day will keep you in a rhythm that makes returning home to the daily grind that much easier.
To begin, start with a small list of five or fewer activities. Doing so will give you easy wins and help you build confidence in your routine.
I make sure that I listen to my daily affirmations, meditate, write in my gratitude log, drink ample water, and stretch/do yoga daily. This list of non-negotiables allows me to hit the ground running as soon as I get home.
2. If possible, take an extra day off when you return from your vacation.
I understand this tip is potentially not feasible for everyone, but I have found benefit in scheduling a half day for the day I return from a long trip. Doing so allows me to help situate myself back into my own home. Whether starting laundry or getting groceries, it prevents me from falling into bad habits like eating fast food to save time.
3. Get help!
You do not need to do everything on your own! Consider having groceries delivered to your door when you get home, so you don’t have the added stress of immediately heading out to the store for fresh food. Or maybe you could order DoorDash the day before you leave so you don’t have to come home to a sink full of dishes.
I hope these tips are helpful! If you struggle to figure out how to bounce back from a routine, consider working with me through my monthly membership program, Inner Compass Support. For information, click here.
