Karla Tafra
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t keep living those vacation vibes. Here are some simple tips to extend those relaxing feelings into autumn, and beyond.
Bring Nature Indoors
When you’re on vacation, you usually spending more time outdoors than in. At the beach, you might be immersed in the ocean view or the aroma of flowers, or just enjoy letting the sun kiss your skin and relax you.
This fall, try decorating your home with earthy, natural vibes, or bring in a bunch of colorful, amazing-smelling plants to turn your everyday setting into a Zen oasis. Think wood, glass, and soft, sandy colors, like beige, off-white, and lots of greenery.
You can even get some palm tree wallpaper to remind you of your recent trip to Bali, or some with gorgeous, blush peonies that look so real, you can almost smell them.
And don’t stop there! Bring nature into every part of your home with some smart decorating choices, like beige plush pillows and throws, baby blue bedding, navy-and-white striped towels, ocean-scented candles, or various wooden accents.
There’s so much you can find when you start looking.
Re-create Your Vacation Routine
Waking up to the sound of the ocean? Enjoying your morning coffee on the terrace? Taking sunset walks to clear your head? Eating at fine restaurants? Whatever you do on vacation that makes you feel relaxed and at peace, try to bring it into fall.
Here are some ideas:
- Download some calming ocean sounds to lull you to sleep or wake up to.
- Drink your morning coffee on your balcony or near an open window.
- Get outside during a wonderful sunset and walk around your neighborhood
- Put some effort into your at-home dining experience. Eat off of beautiful dishes or set your table so it makes you feel like you’re in a fancy restaurant.
When you re-create your favorite vacation routines, you can evoke those same feelings of Zen and bliss, even when you’re not frolicking in the sun.
Dress Up for No Reason
When you pack for a vacation, you most likely always take more clothing than you could ever possibly wear. Then, when you’re back at home, you probably hang them back in the closet, only to wear the same three outfits day after day.
Change your mindset and try to dress up sometimes, even if there’s no reason to. Put on your favorite set or bundle up with accessories. Use one of those imaginary outfit ideas you have when you’re packing to go somewhere.
Even if you’re just going to the grocery store or a friend’s house, you don’t have to go in the same pair of sweatpants you’ve been wearing around the house. Dress up, and it’ll certainly raise your endorphins to a whole new level.
Take Some Time for You
One of the reasons we all love vacations is because we get to relax and take a break from daily stressors. It’s almost like we get to escape reality. The biggest reason is the shift that happens in our minds almost immediately when we’re in a cab headed to the airport.
Sure, looking at the ocean and not having to wake to the sound of an alarm play a big role here, but the greatest change occurs in your mindset. This is what you can draw from and find a way to create some personal time for yourself so your mind can completely rest and relax.
Carve out some time in your busy week and set it aside for doing whatever makes you feel your best. You can do it in the comfort of your own home.
Any activity that brings a smile to your face and makes you forget about your day will work. Here are some ideas:
- Take a bubble bath.
- Order in from your favorite restaurant.
- Relax and watch your favorite guilty-pleasure movie or show.
- Sleep in front of the fireplace instead of in bed.
- Schedule a pampering session at your favorite spa.
- Go out to your favorite restaurant
- Go shopping.
Whatever feeds your soul and helps you get into that relaxed mode, go for it!
Prioritize Rest and Sleep
Although you might not be able to sleep in as often as you would on vacation, make sure you’re getting enough rest and implementing good sleeping habits. The more sleep-deprived you are, the more fatigued you’ll feel. This is why it’s extremely important to take a step back and give your body and brain a chance to recharge.
More often than not, we tend to overload our brains with too much information and expect it to run smoothly. Then, we go to bed late and wake up at the crack of dawn just to do it all over again. Come Saturday, we’re so tired, we can barely get out of bed.
Knowing how to balance it all out and finding the time to take a breather is exactly what all of us need.
Remember to Have Fun
After you return from vacation, you might find you reserve fun activities for the rare weekend or specific celebrations. Bring back those feelings of joy and relaxation by scheduling nights out with friends, dinner parties, game nights, and weekend getaways and adventures.
You don’t have to stop having fun just because summer is over and it’s time to get back to the grind. The more you embrace vacation vibes this fall, the less stressed you’ll feel.
You can transport vacation vibes into the fall way easier than you might think! Get your fake tan on and pretend that ocean scent is coming from the real thing instead of a candle.
