Travel is often seen as a dream come true, an escape from reality and an opportunity to explore new cultures, foods, and landscapes. It can be a life-changing experience that broadens your perspective, boosts your confidence, and creates memories that last a lifetime. However, what happens when the journey is over and you return home? For many travelers, the transition back to normal life can be challenging, and they may experience post-travel depression.
Post-travel depression is a real phenomenon that affects many people who have returned home after a long trip. It is a feeling of sadness, emptiness, and disorientation that can last for several days, weeks, or even months. While the causes of post-travel depression can vary from person to person, it is often the result of the stark contrast between the excitement and adventure of travel and the mundane routine of daily life.
After months of planning and saving, I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, visiting countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The sights, sounds, and smells of these beautiful places left a lasting impression on me, and I felt like a different person when I returned home.
But as much as I loved traveling, coming back to my daily routine was hard. The contrast between the vibrant, exciting world of Southeast Asia and the mundane routine of daily life was stark. I missed the feeling of exploration and discovery, and it was hard to adjust to a life that felt less exciting.
If you’re feeling the same way after returning from a trip, know that you’re not alone. Here are 10 tips that helped me overcome post-travel depression and find joy in my everyday life again:
1. Give yourself time to adjust
The transition from travel to normal life can be jarring, so it’s essential to give yourself time to adjust. Don’t expect to feel “normal” immediately after returning home. Take things slow, and gradually ease back into your routine. For me, this meant taking a few weeks of just relaxing and recuperating. When I cam home from my travels I had no job and was living at home with my mom. I made a conscious choice to put no pressure on myself to be productive or make any life decisions. I knew I needed time, so I took some.
2. Stay connected with people you met while traveling
Staying in touch with the people you met during your travels can help you maintain the sense of connection you felt while on the road. You can share stories, photos, and memories with them, which can help you relive your adventures and feel less isolated.
3. Plan your next adventure
One of the best ways to overcome post-travel depression is to plan your next adventure. This will give you something to look forward to and keep you excited about traveling. Even if you can’t afford to travel right away, you can start researching your next destination and create a savings plan to make it a reality.
I knew right when I came home that I wanted to get out there again as soon as possible. As soon as I felt ready to make some life choices I started brainstorming ways to make it happen. I came home basically broke so I knew I would need to find a way to make money while traveling. This led me down the digital nomad path.
4. Reflect on your trip
Reflecting on your trip can help you process your experiences and emotions. Write down your thoughts and feelings, create a photo album, or make a scrapbook. This will help you relive your adventure and remember the good times. This blog has been one way I have tried to do some reflection on my trip. I unfortunately did not journal while I was traveling (big mistake), but reflecting through this blog has helped me to relive some of my fondest memories of my travels.
5. Stay active
Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and energy levels. Even if you don’t feel like working out, go for a walk, do some yoga, or take a dance class. Moving your body can help you feel better and more energized. I am grateful to live in close proximity to the mountains in Colorado and so I was able to go climbing and skiing a lot when I returned home. Being able to go on mini adventures to the mountains and stay active helped me feel like I was still on a big adventure.
6. Rediscover your hometown
While travel is exciting and new, sometimes we overlook the beauty and wonders of our own hometowns. Take some time to rediscover your city or town, explore local parks, museums, and restaurants, and find new things to appreciate about your home. I did this rediscovery through staying active, and skiing and climbing in the mountains. One of the things I looked forward to most when I came home was being able to spend time in the mountains again. So, I made it a point to make the most of being close to them again.
7. Make plans with friends and family
Traveling can be a solitary experience, so it’s essential to reconnect with friends and family when you return home. Make plans to catch up, have dinner together, or take a day trip. Spending time with loved ones can help you feel more grounded and supported.
8. Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill can be a great way to shift your focus and feel more productive. Take a cooking class, learn a new language, or sign up for a painting course. The process of learning something new can be fulfilling and help you feel more confident. For me, I started a little business of buying, flipping, and selling furniture. This was a great way for me to make a little extra cash (being that I was broke).
9. Practice self-care
Self-care is essential for mental and emotional wellbeing. Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you feel more centered.
10. Embrace the memories of your trip
Remember the sights, sounds, and smells. Recall the people you met, the food you tried, and the adventures you had. These memories are yours to keep, and they’ll stay with you long after the trip is over.
In the end, it’s normal to feel down after returning from an incredible journey. But with a little time, effort, and patience, you can overcome post-travel depression and find joy in your everyday life again. Trust me, it’s worth it.
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