Post-Trip Strategies for a Balanced Life
Here are some strategies I'm aiming to incorporate into our daily routines after our recent trip.
Hello everyone! How's life treating you? I hope your weekend was fantastic! We celebrated my grandmother's birthday, my husband returned from a trip, I taught a barre class, and I had brunch with a friend. We even experienced some lovely monsoon rain. Today, I want to reflect on our trip, share my insights since returning, and discuss the strategies I'm implementing to maintain the positive aspects we experienced.
As you know, we absolutely adore traveling. We consider it the most rewarding way to spend our money – on enriching experiences. It allows us to escape the daily grind and cherish quality time as a family. Travel provides invaluable perspective, reminding me of what truly energizes and brings joy into my life, and what doesn't. During our time in Spain, we savored each day without rushing. I'm committed to incorporating some of my favorite aspects of the trip (beyond the amazing sights, culture, and cuisine) into my routine. This isn't about being in "vacation mode" constantly, but rather about prioritizing what the trip highlighted as most important.
Strategies I Want to Keep After Our Trip
- Walk as Much as Possible
We effortlessly walked miles each day, making movement feel natural and enjoyable, not forced. While it's more challenging at home, I'm trying to replicate this by taking walks after dinner, walking during meetings, and walking our dog when the weather cools down. Tucson isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly; things are spread out, the heat is intense, and people often assume your car has broken down if you're walking. Since it's the height of summer, I've been using my walking pad indoors. In Spain, I easily reached 20,000 steps daily, but here I have to make a conscious effort to reach 10,000. - Cook From Scratch (and Choose Restaurants That Do the Same)
The food we ate felt nourishing and intentional, whether prepared at our Airbnb, by friends (our friend Tony's carrillada is legendary), or by chefs at local restaurants. While we don't need fancy meals all the time, the quality and freshness of ingredients are crucial. Since returning home, I've found that only a few restaurants here are worth the cost. I'd rather buy quality ingredients and cook at home than spend a significant amount on a mediocre meal for our family. - Keep Meals Simple
I was reminded that meals don't need a plethora of ingredients or sauces to be satisfying. Grilled fish with roasted vegetables, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon is perfection. Since our trip was extended, I could cook at our Airbnb but didn't want to overstock on ingredients. Our meals were simple, fresh, and satisfying. - Stay Up Late and Sleep In (Seasonally)
Embracing summer nights was magical: kids staying up late, spontaneous gelato runs, and the soft morning light filtering in while we lingered in bed. This isn't a permanent routine, but a fun reminder to break the rules occasionally. The school year is structured and scheduled, so it was a treat to stay up late and sleep in. - Slow Meals With Good Company
Recreating those two-hour meals, whether it's dinner on the patio with friends or a family meal at the dining table, is a priority. Meals aren't rushed, allowing us to savor the food and company more. This also helps us tune in to our hunger cues and eat more mindfully. I'm striving to slow down in all aspects of life. - Prioritize New Adventures With the Girls
Even at home, we're seeking new experiences: exploring new parks, trying new recipes, taking small day trips, or letting them help plan something new. Travel reminds me how magical it is to see the world through their eyes. They grow up so quickly, and activities they once enjoyed may no longer excite them, so it's fun to discover their current interests and embark on new adventures together. - If You Take a Break… Nothing Falls Apart
This is a significant realization. We carry a substantial mental and emotional load, especially as mothers. We remember everything, from missing socks to grocery lists, birthday gifts, appointments, work deadlines, and chores. It was refreshing to step back, and nothing crumbled. The blog, the inbox, the chores all waited for us, and it was okay. When my daughters were babies, I was blogging frequently and couldn't imagine taking more than a short break. I ended up taking six weeks off, a first for me, and everything was fine. I pre-wrote content and only handled essential calls and emails. It was a gift that provided fresh inspiration and energy. While I don't foresee another six-week break soon, it's a good reminder that stepping away is possible and beneficial. - Make Time for Art, Music, and Culture
Whether it's visiting a museum, enjoying live music, or listening to a symphony while cooking, these elements enrich daily life. You don't need to travel to bring beauty into your day. I'm making an effort to book theater tickets, attend outdoor concerts, visit museums, and incorporate cultural experiences into our lives. - Nurture Community
The strong sense of community in Spain is admirable. Our friends attend an international school in Seville, and the parents frequently socialize, enjoying drinks and tapas while the children play, and planning meals, trips, and playdates. We're fortunate to have a wonderful community in Tucson, and this trip reinforced the importance of nurturing those relationships. - Get Dressed for the Day
Europeans present themselves with care. While leggings have their place, dressing well makes me feel good. I feel more focused and productive in real clothes rather than loungewear.
So, have your travels changed your perspective on daily life? How do you try to slow down in your routine?
xo Gina
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