JENINE CAMINS
Vacation. It’s a chance to trade busy schedules and overflowing inboxes for sand between our toes and refreshing drinks in our hands. Phones become tools to capture memories, not constant companions. We’re inspired by the thrill of exploring new places and cultures. It’s a chance to reconnect with ourselves, rediscover a sense of wonder, and return home feeling truly rejuvenated.
The break in routine ignites possibilities. You envision recreating those exotic recipes from your Thai cooking class. Launching your photography business suddenly feels like a tangible goal. You finally feel empowered to set those work-life boundaries you’ve craved. You gain perspective, clarity, and a newfound bravery.
You feel different. You are different. And you want to hold onto all of it.
Then, reality hits. The plane lands, and somehow, between baggage claim and mountains of laundry, excuses, self-doubt, and “real life” creep back in. But this summer, bridge the gap between vacation bliss and your daily routine. Here are some strategies to keep that vacation magic alive long after you unpack your bags.
Reflect and Reconnect: A Personalized Ritual
Before the real world fully engulfs you, take time, individually and as a family, to reflect on your vacation experience. It’s not just about reminiscing; it’s about identifying the specific aspects you want to bring back into your daily life. Here’s a unique twist on reflection:
The Values Vacation: A Reconnection with You and What Matters
Vacations often allow us to reconnect with our core values. Did exploring a new city energize you? Did nature’s peacefulness rejuvenate you? Did spending quality time with loved ones bring you joy? Identify the values that were most prominent during your vacation and brainstorm ways to integrate them into your daily life. Maybe it’s wandering a part of Denver you haven’t visited before discovering hidden gems and unique local flavor or setting aside time for uninterrupted conversation with a loved one.
Here are some additional ideas to reconnect with yourself:
The Digital Detox: Did you experience a sense of liberation from being constantly connected? Consider incorporating “tech-free” zones or times into your daily routine. Maybe it’s putting your phone away during dinner, or setting aside specific times to check emails and social media, instead of letting them dictate your attention throughout the day.
The Mindfulness Minute: Did the tranquility of your vacation environment allow you to be more present in the moment? Integrate mindfulness practices into your daily life. Start small with a few minutes of meditation each morning, or take mindful walks during your lunch break, focusing on your surroundings and detaching from the mental chatter.
By identifying your core vacation values and finding ways to nurture them back home, you can create a life that reflects the sense of freedom, joy, and peace you experienced on your travels.
Craft Your Vacation Touchstones: A Multi-Sensory Experience
How do you keep those feelings of joy, relaxation, and wonder alive long after you unpack your bags? The answer lies in creating vacation touchstones. Touchstones are more than just souvenirs or photos; they’re multi-sensory experiences that transport you back to the heart of your vacation. By engaging your senses, you can recreate the feelings and emotions associated with your favorite travel moments. Here’s how to craft these powerful memory triggers and keep the magic of your vacation alive:
Revisit Feelings With Your Photos: Choose your favorite vacation photos that capture a specific emotion or memory. Make these your screensaver. When you see a photo, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Imagine yourself back in that moment. Was it the peacefulness of floating along the river on the sunrise cruise? The heartwarming sight of a baby elephant mimicking its elders learning to drink? The lively chatter of people in a bustling marketplace, evoked by a photo of a steaming cup of coffee you enjoyed while people-watching? Take a moment to bring yourself back to each moment.
A Vacation Playlist (with a Twist): Sure, you can create a playlist of songs that remind you of your trip. But take it a step further. Include short recordings of ambient sounds – the rhythmic crash of waves, the lively chatter of a bustling marketplace, or the chirping of exotic birds in a rain-forest. These soundscapes can be incredibly evocative and transport you back to the sights and smells of your vacation destination.
Savor the Flavors: Vacations are a chance to indulge in exciting new culinary experiences. But ditch the “vacation guilt” and keep those flavors alive at home!
Did buttery croissants or fresh baguettes and cheese become your Parisian breakfast staples? Perhaps a morning glass of guava juice transported you back to a tropical paradise. Look for easy ways to incorporate the flavors that capture the essence of your vacation.
The Power of Fragrance: Scents are powerful memory triggers. Imagine the bustling spice market you visited, filled with warm, exotic notes. Recreate that aroma at home with a diffuser blend of essential oils that capture those same evocative scents.
Did your hotel have signature hair and body products you loved? If possible, track them down online or purchase them from the hotel itself to bring the scents of your vacation home. A spritz of that familiar fragrance can instantly transport you back to that feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Be Realistic, Embrace Imperfection
Here’s the truth: you won’t be permanently bronzed and sipping cocktails every day. Life has its demands, and that’s okay. The key is to embrace a realistic approach to holding onto the vacation feeling. Focus on incorporating small, sustainable changes that fit with the values that were most prominent during your vacation.
Vacation isn’t just an escape; it’s a reminder of the life you can create for yourself, every single day.
Jenine Camins is a certified performance and personal development coach who uses realistic strategies to inspire growth driven individuals to take consistent and intentional action towards their future goals. Learn more at UQMindfulness.com or connect on LinkedIn @Jeninecamins or on Instagram @uqmindfulness.