Do you know that feeling when you come home after a vacation and everything suddenly feels rushed again, your schedule fills up, and the calm pace you had is gone? Before you know it, you’re back in the rat race. How can you hold onto that sense of calm as much as possible, whether for a few days or more structurally?
Below are several tips. I’m aware that not everything will be feasible or relevant for everyone. Everyone’s life is different, but hopefully you can take something from it.
1. Walk more slowly
I don’t know what it’s like where you live, but here people walk fast. Everyone is in a hurry: getting to work, catching the tram, in the supermarket, getting home. After returning from vacation, this can stand out even more. Trying not to join the rush and consciously walking slower can help you avoid falling back into stress.
2. Take time to walk or bike
Take time to walk, bike, or move around in another calm way. Being outside and moving is good. Personally, I prefer walking over public transport when possible. I get fresh air, some movement, and I notice I feel better than when I sit the whole way.
3. Don’t let your schedule fill up
It can be fun to fill your schedule with activities: social plans, obligations, things you want to do, things you’ve postponed for ages and “really need to do.” Give yourself rest. Creating structural breathing room in your schedule can be helpful. It leaves space for rest, for appointments that run long, and for unexpected things.
Examples:
- Plan an evening with no appointments.
- Add extra travel time.
- Add buffer time for appointments that may run late.
4. Plan time for yourself first
Plan time for yourself before planning the rest of your week. That time is yours. You don’t need concrete plans; decide in the moment. And if you want to do nothing at all, that’s perfectly fine. You can also plan, for example, 15 minutes each day just for yourself: no social media, no apps, no tasks. This time is yours. Exercise time also falls into this category.
5. Start and end your days calmly
On vacation, you often start your days calmly: not waking up too early, getting ready slowly, having a relaxed breakfast. Why rush in daily life if it can be different?
Take time to enjoy your breakfast and your coffee or tea. Don’t jump straight into Facebook or WhatsApp. Give yourself a moment to ease into the day. I personally struggle with this too and can start the day at full speed. I’ve decided to start every workday this month with a 30‑minute walk before breakfast and work. It’s my gift to myself.
At the end of the day: take time to wind down before bed. No screens for at least the last hour, and give yourself time to close the day.
If you’d like more ideas to make your mornings feel better, read this article with 12 things you can plan to make getting out of bed easier.
6. Bring vacation habits into daily life
Which vacation habits made you happy, and which could you bring home? Did you take time every afternoon or evening to sit with a drink and enjoy your surroundings? Why not plan that into daily life? For example, at 3:30 PM, take time for tea and a snack, do nothing, read a book, or chat with someone. Or in the evening, dim the lights or sit outside and do something calming.
7. Spend less time on your phone and screens
Spending less time on your phone or other screens can save a lot of time. Social media can consume an unbelievable amount of hours.
Tips:
- Set a timer.
- Delete apps.
- Turn off notifications.
Years ago, when I stopped using the Facebook app and eventually the platform entirely, it saved me a lot of time — and I noticed I felt better overall.
8. Take time to eat
Take time to enjoy your food and the people you eat with. Don’t eat your meal in front of the TV. Want to make it even more mindful? You could pay attention to the setting: a nice tablecloth, a good drink, beautifully plated food, candles or soft lighting.
9. Be a tourist in your own region
Explore your own town or region as a tourist. Look for fun activities like a market, festival, or museum. Or if you don’t know your neighborhood well, take a walk. Go to a park, the beach, or take a city walk. Anything that makes you happy. Take photos like you would on vacation.
10. Build systems to reduce weekday stress
Reachability
- Turn off notifications for social media.
- Set your phone so people can’t call after a certain time. You can specify who can reach you.
Household
- Order groceries instead of going to the store.
- Cook for multiple days and freeze meals.
Preparing for tomorrow
- Lay out your clothes for one or more days.
- Prepare your things the day before.
Rest
- Calm mornings and evenings.
Weekly planning
- Create a routine in your weekly planning.
- Ask yourself each morning or the day before what you really need to do today.
- Evaluate weekly what went well and what didn’t.
- Evaluate monthly or quarterly.
11. Take time to connect with people
Not only during meals — plan more moments to catch up with people. Or if you easily forget to message someone, plan a fixed moment each day or a few times per week to send a message.
12. Say no more often
This is a classic, but still difficult. You can feel guilty saying no, but you’re only human. If you struggle with this, it can help to first say you need time to think about it. This also means sometimes saying no to yourself.
13. Spend more time in nature
This is hard for some people. Many don’t live close to nature. Still, going into nature — a park, forest, beach, anywhere — can help you slow down.
14. Go sit on a terrace during the week
Just because you can. Even if it’s only for a cup of coffee.
15. Declutter your home
Do we really need all the things we’ve collected over the years? After staying somewhere calm and tidy on vacation, returning to a cluttered home can feel overwhelming.
16. Add more spontaneity to your life
For meeting people, doing fun things — for everything.
