Martinique: Where Pleasure Meets Reflection

Happy summer vacations to all! I hope you’ve been enjoying time at the beach, on the road, with family and friends, soaking in good food and even better company. 😊

Summer often brings longer vacation days, international getaways and spontaneous road trips. But has anyone else noticed that we don’t always return from vacation feeling as refreshed as we hoped? Sometimes, instead of feeling recharged, we come back feeling disoriented, overwhelmed or just… off. That was definitely me from mid-July, and only now am I starting to feel like myself again.

This dip in energy has a name: the post-vacation blues, or the post-vacation paradox. It’s that strange emotional slump we fall into after returning home from a trip. You’d expect to come back full of energy and motivation, but instead, reality feels heavy. The contrast between the freedom of vacation and the demands of daily life can shine a light on just how out of alignment we may be with our routines.

In July, I had the chance to travel to the beautiful island of Martinique, a destination I had planned to visit since the early days of Covid. Being there was more restorative than I could have imagined. While my family and I were technically attending a conference, we struck a perfect balance between work and play. Our mornings were spent in round tables and breakout sessions, and our afternoons unfolded on beaches, in botanical gardens and in deep, nourishing conversations.

Everything was fun and games until it was time to pack our bags. The moment we got home, the contrast hit us hard. Sure, some disruption is normal after a trip, but this time it raised a deeper question: Why was it so difficult to readjust?

Part of the answer lies in what we’re returning to. Many of us carry an invisible weight in our everyday lives. Full calendars, tight deadlines, emotional labor, endless errands, forgotten group chats and maybe even a few missed birthdays. It all builds up. And when you finally get a chance to pause and breathe, your nervous system whispers, “Wait… you want me to go back to that?”

The truth is, our nervous systems probably need more than seven days and a couple piña coladas to regulate. You can’t expect your body, which has been running on cortisol, late-night emails and back-to-back meetings, to reset in a single week.

So, if you’ve been feeling off since your return, you’re definitely not alone. You may not just need another vacation. You might be ready for a lifestyle edit. Here are a few ways to gently ease back in:

📋 Ease Back In Gradually
Instead of diving headfirst into your to-do list, take time to assess what’s actually urgent. Start with the easiest task- the ones you know you can complete quickly. Think of it as your re-onboarding plan. By starting small, you’ll rebuild momentum without overwhelming yourself.

💫 Recreate What Worked
Think about what helped you feel calm during your trip. What part of that experience can you bring into your everyday life? For example, I loved walking and exploring while in Martinique, so I’ve been taking my work to local libraries or coffee shops instead of staying home. A change of scenery can do wonders.

🧠 Reframe Your Mindset
As you ease back into work, take a moment to reconnect with what you find meaningful about your role. Research shows that intrinsic motivation (feeling a sense of purpose, connection and interest in your work) leads to greater satisfaction. When motivation feels low, ask yourself: Why did I choose this job? What does it offer me? Who do I get to impact or connect with?

🤨 Reassess If Needed
If, even after a couple weeks, you’re still dragging your feet, it might be a sign that something deeper needs to shift. Vacations give us space to reflect. Maybe you’re starting to question your job, or you’re realizing that while you still love what you do, it no longer loves you back. Don't rush to quit on a whim, but don’t ignore those nudges either. Start exploring your needs and options. Your future self will thank you.

If anything, post-vacation blues can serve as gentle invitations not just to rest more, but to live more intentionally. Maybe it's not about escaping life, but about creating a life we don’t feel the need to escape from so often.

Stay Cozy!

Myriam