Beat Back Those Post-Vacation Blues

By Randi Morse

It's that time of year again when it seems like all of my coworkers are going on vacations to fabulous exotic destinations. I will definitely admit that I'm jealous; it's been quite a while since I have been on a long, relaxing vacation. One thing I'm not jealous about are those post-vacation blues. We all get that depressing feeling that seems to loom over you as soon as vacation is over and you realize you have to go back to work. Here are a few tips that will help you avoid getting the post-vacation blues.

Unpack and Laundry

No one likes to unpack or do laundry, but unpacking your bags as soon as possible helps to bring an end to vacation mode. If you leave your luggage cluttering your room, not only are you leaving a mess, you are just reminding yourself of what you are missing. Commit fully, do laundry, and put all of your clothing and toiletries away as soon as you get home.

Get Groceries

Grocery shopping maybe one of the most mundane household chores we can do, but chances are good that your fridge, and your cupboards, are likely pretty bare. Once you have unpacked and started the laundry, head to the store and stock up on your essentials and any go-to snacks.

Detox From Vacation Food

One of my favorite things about vacation are the foods that I get to enjoy. I love indulging in deliciously rich dishes while I am on vacation. Once you have arrived home, it's time to get back on the cooking bandwagon. Make some healthy dishes that will get you through a day or two. Try to keep them light and low-calorie to help your body detox from all that rich vacation food.

Organize the Photos

One of the great things about today's high-tech society is that we always have a camera present as long as we have a cell phone. Once you have returned home, block out a few hours of your day and use that time to organize the photos that you have taken. Download them off of your phone and onto your computer and set them up in their own file folder, organized in whatever way that makes the most sense to you. This allows you to reminisce about the trip you had and relive those memories.

All good things must come to an end, and that includes vacation. Commit yourself to getting back to your normal routine as soon as you come home, and if you start to feel depressed that you're not on vacation anymore? Well, that's when you start planning for the next one.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Owings Mills, Md.