Letter From the Editor: August 2015

Does traveling make you depressed? Recently some friends of mine and I were talking about how we get a feeling of depression when we return home from a trip. The “post travel blues,” so to speak, when we wish we were still out and about experiencing new places, tasting new foods, and making new friends. It’s not uncommon, as quite a few people experience these same symptoms.

So how do we beat it? Here are some things my friends and I have found work best for us:

1. Give yourself a day between returning home and jumping back into your routine or going back to work. It’s important you rest when you get home and not rush or push yourself, especially if you’re fighting jetlag. 

2. Unpack and do your laundry. Looking at a suitcase full of dirty clothes and toiletries for a week is a constant reminder you’re not on vacation anymore. Just get it done and put the bag away.

3. Go to the grocery store and buy food that reminds you of the new things you tried on your vacation and share them with your friends. If you went to Italy, for example, buy some cheese and meat and treat yourself. I once went as far as buying all new Italian-made canisters for my kitchen. (I know…)

4. Get some exercise. It’s almost a guarantee you did a ton of walking on your vacation. Don’t stop just because you are back home. Part of the reason you felt so good on your trip was the fact that you were moving and grooving. You’re body is craving that still, so give it what it wants.

I hope our little tricks for beating the travel blues help you with your next return home. 

Safe Travels!

Mary Anne Been
Editor-in-Chief