This is the time of year when many of us are returning from summer vacation. Even if we no longer have to struggle with getting the kids ready for school, we still can feel stress as the days get cooler and shorter. Here are some tips for negotiating the end-of-summer blues.
Get plenty of sleep. If you've been crossing time zones in the last few weeks, you're probably feeling a little grouchy and disoriented. It's important to get back on schedule. Stick to a routine of going to bed and getting up at the same time. It could take as long as a week for you to feel like yourself again.
Eat healthy. Many of us feel that we get a pass on eating healthy when we are away and feel free to indulge in all kinds of treats that are taboo most of the year. You need to pat extra attention to your diet now. If you've put on a few pounds while you were away, stick to low-fat foods for a few days. And don't forget to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. That should help a dodgy digestion.
Savor the memories. It's easy to feel wistful for those long summer days when you didn't have so much on your agenda. But instead of regrets for what has passed, celebrate the good times by making sure to download and organize your photos. Write thank-you notes to friends you visited. Find the right displays for any souvenirs you may have picked up.
Look ahead. This is from the half-empty or half-full school of philosophy. It's true that you must say good-bye to summer 2012 but summer 2013 is just over nine months away. Start planning!
