Breaking free from your workplace (even if it’s one of the world’s coolest offices) feels like the ultimate freedom. It’s amazing to finally put all of your pinned travel recommendations to good use while you’re on a long solo trip, teaching English abroad or jetting off for an unforgettable summer vacation. Coming back from the grand adventure though? It takes some major getting used to. Instead of falling victim to the post-travel blues, try six of our go-to tricks for loving life back at home again. These tips will help you cherish all of the memories you made and readjust to your normal day-to-day.
1. Plan a new adventure. Coming back from a trip can feel like a bit of a letdown, as everything you’d been counting down the days for has come and gone. Instead of slumping your shoulders or dreading the daily grind, give yourself something new to look forward to. Get your next journey on the books right away, ’cause having something fun on the horizon will definitely help you feel happier.
2. Go on a mini-getaway. If another grand adventure isn’t feasible in the near future, make it a point to take a mini-vacay. This might be as simple as driving a few towns over to have lunch somewhere new and scope out the scenery or spending a weekend away with friends, fam or your boo. Keep your adventurous energy alive by treating your mini-trip just as you would a bigger one — find cool photos to shoot, talk with locals and find joy in discovering something new.
3. Rediscover the things you love about home. Finding yourself back at home after visiting far flung locations or spending time somewhere radically different and oh-so wonderful can feel like a bummer, but you can find pleasure in the things that make you happy about being home. Maybe it’s sleeping in your own bed, the incredible water pressure from your apartment shower, bumping into neighbors on the street or treating yourself to a cupcake at your favorite local bakery. Whatever it is, jump back into rediscovering the little joys — you know you missed ‘em while you were gone.
4. Go through your photos. Once you’ve unpacked and settled back in, find time to sort through the photos and videos you took on your trip. Whether you have images from your DSLR or lots of cool footage on your phone, load them all onto your computer or print your faves so you can easily save, display and share all of the incredible moments. Looking for a creative way to showcase your best shots at home? Try a gallery wall or lettered photo art. SO wanderlust chic.
5. Share highlights from your trip. Were you gone a long time? Did you travel to a place that your friends are dying to know more about? Make it a point to get together with them to share the most inspiring and interesting highlights and lessons. If your long-term travel experience might benefit others, look for networking, speaking or teaching opps that’ll let you rave about your trip. Travel blogs, vlogs and social media are also fun ways to broadcast highlights for people who are looking to learn about a journey just like yours.
6. Keep your adventurous spirit alive. Maybe you felt more confident trying new things while in vacay mode, like learning to speak a foreign language or cooking cultural dishes. Just because you’re home doesn’t mean you need to give it up! Think about taking a class, picking up a few books or continuing your learning online. Work hard to embody the things you loved about the traveling version of yourself or your destination at a distance and you’ll definitely be able to preserve some of the magic.
How do you beat post-adventure blues? Spill your secrets with us on Twitter @BritandCo!
(Photos via Getty)
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.