Post-Vacation Reboot: How to Recover and Reset After a Summer Vacation
After days (or weeks) of sunshine, travel, indulgent meals, and maybe a little too much screen-free relaxation, coming back from vacation can feel... jarring. As much as we love the break, re-entry into real life often brings a mix of exhaustion, overwhelm, and post-vacation blues.
The good news? With a little intention, you can ease back into your routine feeling refreshed—not frazzled. Here’s how to reset your body, mind, and schedule after a summer getaway.
- Prioritize Sleep
Travel can throw off your sleep schedule, especially if you’ve changed time zones, stayed up late, or slept in more than usual. One of the best things you can do after vacation is to reset your circadian rhythm.
- Try going to bed and waking up at your usual times—even if you're not quite tired yet.
- Cut back on caffeine and screen time in the evening.
- Give yourself grace—it might take a few days to feel “normal” again.
- Rehydrate and Refuel
Vacations often involve salty snacks, cocktails, and less structured meals. Replenish your system with hydrating foods, lots of water, and nutrient-rich meals.
- Add fruits and veggies with high water content (like cucumbers, watermelon, or leafy greens).
- Sip on herbal tea or lemon water to gently detox and soothe your digestion.
- Don’t skip meals—focus on balance rather than restriction.
- Move Your Body—Gently
You don’t need to jump back into an intense workout the moment you return. In fact, your body might benefit from lighter movement as you adjust.
- Take a walk outdoors to reset mentally and physically.
- Try stretching or yoga to loosen up after long car rides or flights.
- Book a massage to reduce tension, improve circulation, and re-center your energy.
- Get Back Into a Routine
The sooner you reestablish daily structure, the more grounded you’ll feel.
- Start with small wins—unpack your bags, prep a few meals, or tidy your space.
- Revisit your calendar to mentally prepare for the week ahead.
- Add something you enjoyed on vacation (like reading or a morning coffee outside) into your everyday life to ease the transition.
- Be Kind to Your Skin
Sun, chlorine, sweat, and travel can leave your skin feeling dry or dull.
- Exfoliate gently to remove buildup and brighten your complexion.
- Hydrate with soothing serums, masks, or facials.
- Don’t forget SPF—it’s just as important post-vacation as it was on the beach!
- Plan Something to Look Forward To
Coming home doesn’t mean the fun is over. Schedule a dinner with friends, a spa day, or even just a relaxing weekend activity.
Having something on the horizon helps ease the “back to reality” blues and keeps your wellness momentum going.
Need a Boost?
Let MassageLuXe help with your post-vacation reset. From customized massages to rejuvenating facials, our services are designed to help you feel like your best self—no matter where you've been.
About MassageLuXe
Founded in 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri, MassageLuXe is a fast-growing franchise-based spa company with a mission to provide an unparalleled experience that supports and encourages health, well-being, and quality of life. MassageLuXe delivers the highest quality massage, facial, and waxing services in a comfortable, relaxing, and luxurious environment.
Massage is a service that improves health, promotes relaxation and overall well-being for the consumer, and has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years. MassageLuXe currently has more than 90 locations across 22 states and is planning to double in size in the next three years.