Vacations often find ourselves behaving the way we would want to behave everyday were it not for our mountains of responsibilities and the toll they take. We slow day, have more in-depth conversations with loved ones, move more, eat better, and engage in activities that bring us joy. And there is research suggesting connections between vacations and lower stress, a healthier heart rate and increased creativity, the benefits of which can last for weeks after the vacation is over!
But how do we keep the good vibes going? Dr. Sarah Pressman, a professor of psychological science at the University of California, has a few suggestions:
Do a “mini version” of your favorite thing: The first step, Dr. Pressman said, is to reflect on your vacation: What did you love doing the most? Was it family dinners with great conversations? Was it daily naps? Then, she said, “try to find a mini version of that.” If you loved biking on vacation, she said, start with a weekly bike ride.
Get outside: Some people spend more time outdoors on their vacations, and the research is robust that green spaces provide health benefits galore. If you miss being outside, aim for “snackable bits of nature” near your home, e.g go to a park for a few minutes or hang a bird feeder just outside your door.
Engage your senses: If certain scents, tastes or sounds lifted your spirits on vacation, try to replicate them at home. Cook a meal that you loved on vacation or play some local music that you heard.
Display a memento: Don’t discount the value of souvenirs. They can have a lasting effect on our happiness. In fact, research has found that items with high sentimental value can bring us sustained happiness.