5 tips for total recovery after the summer holidays
As counterintuitive as it sounds, many of us return from summer vacation tired and stressed about the new season and the demands it brings with it. The following tips will help us cope and adapt to the new season!
Summer holidays, although offering relaxation, are often accompanied by changes in daily routines, unbalanced diets and more alcohol consumption as well as more opportunities for physical activity – and all this, although it is exactly the “definition” of holidays and the change we seek can, on returning to the daily routine, cause us to feel physically tired and exhausted. And when added to that is the stress of returning to the daily routine, all that we have to do and organise, the fatigue can be exacerbated and affect us not only physically but also psychologically.
The following simple and practical tips can help us welcome autumn with enthusiasm and energy and manage stress and fatigue effectively.
1. Resetting the daily routine
One of the most effective ways to deal with fatigue and stress after the holidays is to get back into a routine. It is known that, in the long run, our body functions better when it has a stable schedule, especially when it comes to sleep and nutrition. And because these two have been “interrupted” with the holidays, it will help if we start to get on a consistent sleep schedule so that we go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Similarly, it will help if we adjust our diet by choosing healthy meals and avoiding alcohol and sugar.
Tip: If getting back on a sleep schedule is difficult, we can find melatonin supplements or herbal sedatives in the pharmacy that will help smooth the transition to a regular sleep cycle.
2. Enhancing energy and mood
The fatigue we feel after some days under the sun can be combated with an effective energy boost. We choose foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium and iron such as lean meat, nuts, legumes, eggs, green leafy vegetables for our diet, as these substances help to produce energy in the body. Hydration also plays an important role, so make sure to drink enough water during the day.
Tip: Supplements with B vitamins and magnesium can improve our energy levels and reduce the feeling of fatigue.
3. Exercise for a better mood
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to have a better mood. Even mild exercise, such as walking, swimming or yoga, can increase endorphins and improve our mood. On returning from holiday try to include at least 30 minutes of exercise in your daily routine, as this will help release tension and make you feel more refreshed.
Tip: If low mood is affecting our daily life we can ask our pharmacist for advice on supplements with adaptogenic herbs such as ginkgo biloba or pomegranate, which have been found to act positively, strengthen the body and improve mood.
4. Managing stress with relaxation and good sleep
Adequate sleep and relaxation techniques are fundamental to reducing stress, not only after the holidays but also in general. Make time for relaxing activities such as reading, listening to music or taking a relaxing bath before bed. The aim is to create an environment and routine that is conducive to quality sleep.
Tip: Lavender essential oils or special relaxing sprays that we can spray on the pillow can improve the quality of our sleep.
5. Strengthening mental resilience
Autumn is often accompanied by the onset of new challenges, either at work or in our personal lives. If we feel that the stress of the new season is getting to us, it is important to seek the help of a specialist. To manage “normal” stress it will help to establish realistic goals and accept that adjustment and new beginnings take time.
Tip: Our pharmacist can advise us on herbal formulations that mental toughness and stress management ability.
By following these practical tips, we can effectively manage fatigue and stress after the summer holidays and start the new season with energy and a positive outlook on all the changes it may bring.