The opportunities of experiencing many new things by travelling is like no other. It makes you see things from different perspectives and makes you want to do it more and more. Sometimes, coming back to home after a trip is like a culture shock itself. Jet lag, drowsiness, and the feeling of emptiness can be felt by some travelers after returning to their home. If you are experiencing the same thing, you are not the only one.
Adjusting your life after a long-trip
Pulling to the transition between being in new place and coming back to your own home can be mind-numbing. It is easy to feel less motivated, tired all the time, or just the overall feeling blue. However, it is considered normal thing to experience. Some travelers are able to transition smooth and fast while others might take time.
The first thing that travelers feel after a trip is jet lag. It will go in a few days. It is temporary sleep issue usually caused by different time zones. Your internal clock might need time to adjust. If you find difficulty to sleep when the time comes, don’t be panic. Try relaxation practices such as taking a deep breath, drink chamomile tea, or playing soft music. When you return to your home and you feel sleepy during the day, try not to fall asleep and do activities to stay awake. This way, you will be able to sleep at night.
It is highly advised to return home early so you won’t have to directly go to work the next day. If it is possible, give yourself few days to recover from the trip. It allows your body to adjust to different environment. Hopefully, you will recover in one day or two. And you will fit for work again. During the recovery, try to manage your sleeping schedule. Avoid long napping because it will make it more difficult for you to sleep at night. Eat healthy foods or something to lift up your mood.
It is best to avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages before returning to your home. Those beverages will worsen your jet lag when you arrive at home. Those can cause dehydration and fatigue later on. Also, avoid drinking those beverages when you arrive at home. Drink something healthy such as fruit juice or herbal tea.
If you experience culture shock when returning to your home, it is okay to feel that way. It is a process of transitioning yourself. However, make sure that it won’t affect the quality of your life. If you feel sad after the trip, share the stories of the trip with your family at home. You can also call friends you made during the trip. Sometimes, you don’t feel like you don’t belong to your home anymore. However, it is usually temporary feeling and you will be back to your normal self in few days. Avoid being alone and try to communicate openly with your family or friends.
