Summer is filled with relaxation, adventure, and a break from daily routines. We enjoy sunny days at the beach, long evenings with friends and family, and maybe even a trip to an exciting place.
Is everyday life starting to call after a good long summer? It can be difficult to gather the energy to get back into gear again, so here are our best tips for a smooth transition back after summer.
- Give Yourself Time to Settle In
It’s important to give yourself time to settle in before diving into cleaning. Take a day or two after your vacation to slowly return to your daily routines. Use this time to unpack, do laundry, and simply enjoy being home. This will help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.
- Start with the Essentials
When you’re ready to start cleaning, begin with the essential tasks first. Empty the fridge of any expired food, vacuum and wash the floors, and make sure the bathroom is clean. These areas are essential for feeling at home and comfortable again.
- Unpack Systematically
When unpacking, do it systematically. Organize your things as you unpack. Make sure to wash all vacation clothes and put the clean ones away. Tidy up your suitcases and store them properly. This will help you avoid clutter and create a more structured start to everyday life. If you're diligent, you’ll get it done right away, avoiding any guilt every time you look at the suitcase.
- Refresh with a Thorough Cleaning
After the vacation, your home might need a thorough cleaning. Dust, wash the windows, and clean the kitchen thoroughly. Pay extra attention to areas that might have been neglected before you left. A fresh and clean home can do wonders for your mood and motivation.
- Organize Your Belongings
The holiday is a good opportunity to create order in your home. Go through your things and consider if there are items you no longer need. Take the time to organize closets and drawers so you can start after the vacation with a tidy and well-organized home.
- Plan Ahead
Even though the vacation is over, it doesn’t mean you can’t have something to look forward to. Plan small things to look forward to in the coming weeks and months. It could be a weekend trip, an evening with friends, or even just a special dinner at home. Having something to look forward to can help combat post-vacation blues.
- Create Cozy Surroundings
Part of getting back to everyday life is creating cozy and inviting surroundings. Light some scented candles, put fresh flowers in a vase, or arrange your favorite books and magazines. Small details can make a big difference and help you feel at home again.
- Take Control of Your Time
After a vacation, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of tasks and commitments waiting for you. Take control of your time by making a list of your most important tasks and prioritizing them. Also, try to incorporate time for relaxation and self-care into your schedule. Remember, it’s okay to say no to things that aren’t necessary.
- Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive
Just because the vacation is over doesn’t mean you have to let the holiday spirit die. Find small ways to maintain the relaxed and happy feeling you had during your holiday. Maybe you can arrange a picnic in the park, read a good book, or listen to music that reminds you of your vacation. These small things can help prolong the positive effect of your holiday.
- Be Patient with Yourself
It’s important to remember that it’s completely normal to need time to adjust again. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling. If you find it difficult to get back into gear, it’s okay to take it slow.
Getting back after a vacation can be a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity to restart and improve your daily routine. By giving yourself time to settle in, starting with the most important tasks, unpacking systematically, thoroughly cleaning your home, organizing, planning ahead, creating cozy surroundings, taking control of your time, keeping the holiday spirit alive, and being patient with yourself, you can create a smooth transition back to everyday life and retain some of the joy and relaxation that the vacation brought with it.
Welcome back to everyday life and enjoy your summer reset!
