Self-Care Must Haves for After a Long Trip

Travelling is such a great activity for the mind, body and soul. Discovering new places, cultures and meeting new people is like uncovering magic. However, sometimes the journey and destination itself can take a toll on you: long plane rides, sightseeing and a full itinerary of activities.

We recently arrived home from a long weekend away and I just felt so mentally and physically drained, too exhausted to do anything. It was a familiar feeling I have encountered before (aka the previous trip) but this time I realized that during this period I need something enriching for my body and soul – to practice self-care. While I have a weekly self-care routine I came to notice that it isn’t something I practice after a trip because I’m too tired! When you’re backpacking, trekking or constantly on the move you may not have enough time to practice your full routine. This is why I have compiled a list of self care must haves to do after coming back from a long trip. You can actually implement any of these whether you’re travelling or not and see what works best for you.

Your body needs water to survive and without H20 serious health consequences can occur. To change things up and get added nutrients I love to juice fresh vegetables and fruits. Fresh apple, carrot, and ginger is a favorite of mine to hydrate and give me an energizing boost. It’s full of antioxidants and can help strengthen your immunity.

Skincare is already an important part of my routine but after travelling I really like to further treat my face and skin. Due to sun exposure and change in climate my skin felt a bit stripped and looked lackluster from my previous trip. What I typically do is double masking – one for deep cleaning and the other for calming. Starting with something that will get deep into my pores and also gently exfoliates is my first choice. I use the Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque and Cleanser by Kiehl’s (you can use the link for free shipping). I love clay products and these products really pulls out the impurities and I notice my blemishes go down the next day. After this I use the Tea Tree Skin Clearing Face Mask by the Body Shop. It’s so cooling and invigorating that I usually chillout with a book while it’s drying.

This technique works time and time again for me. After coming back from a trip my mind will be full of all the things I need to do: clean, meal planning, preparing my schedule for the upcoming week. Journaling is a great way to clear your mind and relieve stress and for these reasons it is on top of my self care must haves. If you’re wondering how long you should spend on journaling, it really doesn’t need to be long.

I typically spend around 15-20 minutes writing every morning but after a long trip I like to spend my time unwinding and noting my goals for the week ahead. I also like to set the mood when starting to journal so I get the right lighting, music and find something cute and inspiring to jot my notes is. This journal is from Hema and gets me into a writing vibe everytime.

It’s hard to pick a favorite on this list but this would have to be my #1. Smell is such an important part of our sensory perception. Essential oils, aromatherapy, chilling in a dimly lit room with scented candles really calms my body and mind. You will most likely find me mediating alongside a scent like vanilla or white sage. Overall, a soothing scent can really do wonders to improve your mood.

I’m not one to break out into a intense workout when coming back from a trip. My body is usually too fatigue and tired. However, I will go out for a walk, jog or move around the house as it really gets my blood moving. Exercising is one of the most important self care must haves.

Did you really just come back from an amazing vacation just to spend your first moments at home on Instagram? I understand there are pictures to post (and I’ve been guilty of it too) but you should probably be spending that time focusing on your well-being. Do your mind and body a favor and unplug for a bit. Pick up a book, snooze for a bit or play with your pet and give them some extra cuddles.