Resetting Goals and Rediscovering Balance After Travel

You’ve done it—you went on your grand adventure. Maybe it was New Zealand (can confirm: amazing), or maybe you were sipping champagne at a resort or seeing one of the wonders of the world. Whether you’re returning from a faraway bucket-list destination or just a long weekend getaway, there’s something both comforting and mildly chaotic about coming home.

But here’s the thing: reentry doesn’t have to be a stress-fest. You can make the most of coming home, rediscover the joy in your everyday life, and yes, even realign with those 2025 goals you swore you’d stick to (until, let’s be honest, you didn’t).

Savor the Joy of Coming Home

There’s nothing quite like walking back into your own space after being away. Your dogs greet you like you’ve been lost at sea. Your couch looks comfier than you remembered. Even your tea kettle feels like it missed you.

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But instead of diving headfirst into unpacking or fretting about work emails, take a moment to savor the homecoming.

• Light your favorite candle. This isn’t just woo-woo; it’s a sensory signal to your brain that you’re back in your sanctuary. It doesn’t have to be a candle, but something that connects you back to home. 
• Snuggle your pets (if you have them). Science says pet cuddles reduce stress and improve mood. And I guess you can hug loved ones that were left at home, too. 
• Do one comforting thing that says “I’m home.” This could be ordering takeout from your favorite local spot, slipping into cozy socks, or just enjoying the silence of not being on a plane. My mom is in favor of pineapple pepperoni pizza (and I am totally on board with that).

Let yourself feel the joy of being home. It’s like falling in love with your life all over again—minus the jet lag.

Unpack Your Bags AND Your Mind

Unpacking is one of those tasks that divides humanity. There are “unpack immediately” people and “live out of a suitcase until next Tuesday” people. Whichever camp you’re in, just remember: physical clutter can create mental clutter.

But here’s the kicker—don’t just unpack your clothes. Unpack your thoughts.

• Reflect on your trip: What did you love? What surprised you? What are you grateful for? Write it down or snap some favorite photos into an album.
• Process any lingering stress: Traveling is wonderful, but it’s also tiring. Give yourself permission to rest and recharge.
• Timer Trick: If you’re overwhelmed by unpacking, try the timer trick. Set a timer for 20 minutes, tackle as much as you can, and then stop. Progress, not perfection.

Ease Back Into Work Without Losing Your Mind

Returning to work after a vacation can feel like jumping into the deep end of a very cold pool. But it doesn’t have to.

• Start with a list. Before opening your inbox and spiraling into chaos, write down the 3-5 most important tasks for your first day back.
• Reframe “catching up.” You don’t have to do everything at once. Treat your return as a marathon, not a sprint.
• Communicate boundaries. If you’re not ready to dive into back-to-back meetings, say so. Set realistic expectations about your workload as you transition.
• The DBT Tip: Use mindfulness here. Instead of stressing about everything you missed, focus on one thing at a time. Slow down, take breaks, and give yourself grace.

Reflect on Those 2025 Goals You’ve Definitely (Maybe) Forgotten

Raise your hand if you made big, beautiful, bold goals for 2025… and then promptly let them slide somewhere around February 1st. BTW that’s totally normal.

Coming back from a trip is the perfect time to reassess. You’re in a liminal space—between vacation bliss and real-life routine—which makes it a great moment to pause, reflect, and realign.

• Revisit your goals. Take a look at what you set out to do this year. Do those goals still align with your values? If not, tweak them.
• Break it down. Instead of diving back into all the things, pick one small, specific action to restart.
• Reframe “failure.” You didn’t “fail” your goals; you just took a detour. Realigning isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
• Feng Shui those goals: Remember my Feng Shui blog? Apply those principles to your space and your life. Rearrange your workspace or declutter your calendar to invite in fresh energy for your goals.

Realign Your Self-Care Routine (Without Falling for Toxic Self-Care Culture)

If your self-care plan fell apart while you were busy climbing mountains or lounging by the pool, don’t sweat it. Self-care isn’t about doing it perfectly—it’s about showing up for yourself, even when it’s messy.

• Start small: Pick one self-care habit to focus on this week. Maybe it’s drinking water, meditating for five minutes, or walking your dogs.
• Schedule it: Put your self-care activities on the calendar like you would any other appointment. If it’s not scheduled, it’s easy to skip.
• Forgive yourself: Relapsed on your routine? Forgot to pack healthy snacks on your trip? Welcome to humanity. Compassion beats guilt every time.
• Tip: Remember our chat about toxic self-care culture? Choose habits that genuinely nourish you instead of ones you think you “should” do.

Find Joy in the Little Things

One of the best parts of coming home is rediscovering the beauty in your everyday life. Travel gives us fresh eyes—but so can gratitude.

• Celebrate the mundane. Your coffee tastes better at home. Your dogs are cuter than ever. Your bed feels like a five-star resort.
• Reconnect with your hobbies. Maybe it’s photography, gardening, or crafting. Pick up something that brings you joy.
• Plan your next adventure. Having something to look forward to—whether it’s a big trip or a simple weekend outing—can help you stay motivated and inspired.
• The DBT Reminder: Practice mindfulness. Savor the smell of your coffee, the warmth of your dog’s fur, or the sound of silence in your home. Being present amplifies joy.

Make Coming Home Part of the Adventure

Coming home doesn’t have to be a letdown. It’s part of the journey—a chance to weave the lessons, memories, and joys of your trip into the fabric of your daily life.

• Reflect on how your trip changed you. What new perspectives or habits do you want to carry forward?
• Share your experiences. Talk about your trip with friends, write about it, or relive the highlights through photos.

The Art of Coming Home

Coming home is more than unpacking and catching up on emails. It’s a chance to rediscover what you love about your life, realign with your values, and reset your goals—without judgment, guilt, or the pressure of perfection.

So light that candle, snuggle your pets, and remind yourself: you don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Progress is messy, and that’s okay.

And if all else fails, just book the next trip. Those cherry blossoms in Japan aren’t going to photograph themselves.

Resources & Links

• The Art of Vacation Prep – February 2025
• Ways Travel Can Improve Your Mental Health – May 2024
• Making a Realistic Self Care Plan – April 2024
• The Antidote to Perfectionism – March 2023
• Feng Shui Therapy – March 2023
• Travel to Improve Your Mental Health – May 2022
• Tulips and Churches and Windmills, Oh My! – June 2022
• The (Mental) Health Benefits of Traveling  –  Lee Health
• 9 reasons travel is good for your mental health – World Travel & Tourism Council