The Post-Vacation Reset: 3 Steps to Ease Back Into Your Life

Vacations are magical. They provide endless amounts of time to relax and give us the opportunity to slow down and unclutter our minds. 

But then it’s over, and reality sets in. The suitcases need unpacking, the inbox is overflowing, and that vacation glow fades faster than your tan.

Here’s the good news: coming back from a break doesn’t have to mean coming back to piles of work that have stacked up while you were gone. Instead, you can use the momentum from your vacation to reset your routines, refresh your mindset, and make your everyday life feel a little more like a relaxing getaway.

Here’s my simple 3 R’s framework to help you transition smoothly from vacation mode back to the reality of daily life.

Step 1: Recharge

Recharging may seem counterintuitive after a vacation. However,  travel itself can be exhausting. Early flights, new time zones, different beds, new foods, and all that walking (even the fun kind) take a toll.

A friend of mine returned from a week-long beach getaway and immediately scheduled a full day of meetings. By the afternoon, she admitted she felt worse than before she left. The problem? She never gave her body and mind time to adjust back to normal life.

Recharge strategies that work:

• Plan a buffer day. If possible, schedule your return home with a day’s buffer before resuming work tasks or appointments. That extra day gives you time to get things in order before facing a new work day.

• Rehydrate like it’s your job. Air travel especially leaves you dehydrated—add a few extra glasses of water to your day.

• Reset your sleep. Go to bed at your usual home time, even if you’re tempted to just get one more thing done. Getting back into a sleep routine where you are fully rested helps to prepare for a busy day.

• Eat real food. A couple of days of colorful veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains can help balance out vacation indulgences (without guilt).

  
  

Step 2: Reflect

One of the best gifts a vacation gives us is perspective. Outside our normal routine, we often notice what we don’t miss—and what we’d like more of.

During a road trip through the mountains, a friend noticed how much she loved sitting outside each morning, sipping coffee with no rush. Back home, she realized she rarely took even 10 quiet minutes before diving into emails. Now, she’s committed to starting three mornings a week with coffee on the deck, no phone allowed. 

You can do the same. Ask yourself:

• What felt amazing on vacation? Maybe it was the daily walks, long conversations, the relaxing views, or feeling free from your phone.

• What stressors disappeared? Perhaps it was the absence of a packed schedule, constant news alerts, or the need to multitask.

• What can I bring home? Even small things—enjoying and appreciating nature, eating outside, or exploring your own town—can extend the joy.

  
  

Step 3: Reboot

This is where the magic happens—transforming post-vacation energy into everyday momentum. The trick is not to overload yourself.

When my friend Lisa returned from a river cruise in Europe, she came home brimming with ideas for healthy eating and morning walks. But she tried to implement all of them in the first week and burned out quickly. Instead, focus on your top 3 priorities for your first few days back.

Reboot tips:

• Do a brain dump. Get everything—tasks, appointments, ideas—out of your head and onto paper. Then circle the three most important things.

• Ease into routines. If you normally work out five days a week, start with two or three while you catch up on life.

• Schedule “vacation moments.” Lunch in the park, an evening stroll, or a tech-free hour can keep your spirit light.

  
  

Final Thoughts

The point of a vacation isn’t just to escape—it’s to come back a little more yourself. By recharging, reflecting, and rebooting, you’re not just slipping back into your old groove… you’re stepping into a new rhythm that feels more joyful, more intentional, and more you.

So unpack slowly, savor the memories, and let your vacation be the beginning of something better.