I used to feel the sting of reality after every vacation.  As I traveled more I started to develop my own habits that would help ease the transition back into reality.  I started keeping a notepad and pen with me as often as I could to take notes.  I forced myself to be specific and write down exactly what I was feeling, what I was inspired by, creative photoshoot ideas, new series for fine art etc.

Here are mine:

Get outside & walk – I’ll put it this way, while in Paris my fiancé Kosta lost 10 pounds from all the walking we did. Crazy right?? I was determined to show of all of Paris to ensure he loved it as much as I did (it worked!) By the last day we both felt energized and amazing.  Not saying I’ll be running to sign up for that gym membership but going on a nice walk outside will always put you in a better mood, clear your head and re-energize you.

Make time for reading – It was so nice to have time to catch up on my reading.  Before bed, during the afternoon Siesta’s in Greece, on the beach. I didn’t realize how much I missed it.  I promised myself to make sure I scheduled at least 30 minutes before bed to read, weather it’s for business purposes or guilty pleasures…hello Mortal Instruments 🙂

Relax – No need to explain this one.  Strolling the streets of Paris till midnight, enjoying wine from 12pm – 12am, soaking in the heat & sun in Greece, drinking frappe’s and swimming in the salt water.  Yup. Definitely need to continue to create new ways to simple relax.

Unplug – I won’t lie. At first I felt anxiety not being plugged in 24/7 but by the time we got to Greece & were on the islands it was the last thing that was on my mind.  I can’t begin to explain how free it felt not even having a phone and not checking emails, instagram or fb every hour.  Pure bliss.  Every few weeks or one day a week I’ve been limiting the amount of social media time & no longer carry my phone with me (literally) everywhere I go.

Let’s see how long I can keep this up! Tell me, how do you feel post-vacay? What do you do to help ease into reality?

Lots of love
Anna