Stepping Back Into Your Routine

As weather is warming up, more and more people are getting vaccinated, as well as restrictions opening back up, we are all craving a VACATION. Whether that’s a day trip or a week or two away from the daily grind, it’s never seemed more appealing than this moment.

One of the best things about vacation is escaping the norm. Seeing new sights, trying different foods, sleeping in a bit more, soaking up the sunshine, and ditching a routine are some of my favorite ways to spend my vacations. I’m a firm believer that our mind, body, and soul absolutely needs these moments. With that being said, my husband and I make vacations an absolute priority in our lives. It is a relationship “non negotiable,” meaning that as long as we have the means to take a vacation, we will prioritize that in our budget every year. Most recently, we were able to travel to one of our favorite places, the Dominican Republic. Gone for a whole week, we took the time to rest, relax at the beach, laugh, indulge in our favorite foods (try lots of new ones too!), and enjoy some tropical cocktails. It definitely was a big break from our hectic schedules of life. It was much needed and I enjoyed every single second of it. While vacations are an important part of life, sometimes taking a “break” from routine can make it harder to get back into a routine. It’s important to note though, just because you enjoyed a vacation, splurged and skipped some workouts, doesn’t mean you fell off track. Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and even the best athletes take time to rest. Continuing your path of self care just means you have to step back on the track, and get back into your routine. Ultimately, it will keep you feeling your best and support your overall health.

Let’s discuss some tips for stepping on the track after a vacation!

1. Prep your work/house beforehand. Planning on being gone for a week? There is nothing worse than coming home (or back to work) to a mess after long travels and a whacked routine. While some messes will be inevitable, do what you can to minimize the disasters. For starters, take the time to do some house chores— dishes, vacuum (hello roomba!), etc BEFORE you go. Usually my husband and I pick a day to knock this out during the week before we leave. Cleaning is much more fun when you know you are leaving for vacation soon. Put on some music, order take out, and make it a family activity.

2. Don’t completely ditch your habits. Just because you are on vacation doesn’t mean you should swap your usual water for soda, alcohol, etc ALL day. Fit in the normal day to day habits where you can, while still enjoying the special stuff when you want. For example, want a pina colada while sitting on the beach? Get it and enjoy it. Thirsty? Drink some water. It’s when you completely abandon your lifestyle that you don’t do your body any favors. Skipping the water and filling up on cocktails 24/7 can leave you more dehydrated and feeling sluggish from all the sugar. Another idea is to pack nutrient packed snacks for the travels. Don’t waste your time of indulging on unsatisfying gas station or airport packaged snacks (unless you truly crave that... whatever floats your boat!). Plus traveling is exhausting and you can use all the natural energy of nutrient dense foods.

3. When you return, cut corners on “to dos” where you can. After being gone for a week, I usually need a big grocery haul. However, I also have A LOT of laundry and other miscellaneous work to catch up on. For me, I budget to spend the extra $$ on grocery delivery (or pickup) to save me the time and energy of having to do the shopping. This allows me to multitask and get my routine organized more easily. It may also mean picking up a frozen vegetarian lasagna and steamed vegetables for a dinner because of working later than usual or having things to catch up on. It’s all about balance!

4. Fill your kitchen with nutrient dense fuel! If you have been used to eating out for a while, your body was likely being filled with more seasoned, heavy, foods. While tasty, the overhaul of sodium alone can leave you sluggish and retaining excess fluids. Stock your kitchen up with fresh, whole foods will help you gain more energy and be in the mindset to tackle your routine. Grab and go options like fruit, unsweetened applesauce packets, steamable vegetables, etc, can boost your micronutrients without requiring excess prep. Because transitioning to a routine has to be an easy process!

5. Incorporate your schedule sooner than later, even if you have to do it in phases. It’s important to give yourself grace. Maybe after a week off you struggle incorporating workouts back into your schedule. Instead of setting an unrealistic goal for your first week back, pick some of your favorite work outs to start with. Rather than pushing off another week, getting moving will help your body adjust more easily.

Happy vacationing! Comment below with your fun travel plans, as well as any additional tips you may have. :)