Returning to Reality
Navigating Post-Vacation Blues
#1 Acknowledge your feelings (without judgment)
Naming and accepting our feelings can be a powerful first step in coping with difficult emotions in a healthy way. Try to make room for what comes up without judging yourself for feeling that way. You can say your feelings aloud or write them down as a way to acknowledge them. Here are some examples:
“I feel reluctant to leave my vacation spot because it’s so beautiful here.”
“I feel sad going back to full-time work because it’ll mean less time with my loved ones.”
“I feel stressed about ending vacation because it means starting to juggle child care, school duties, and work again.”
“I feel worried that the peace I feel now will get replaced with anxiety and overwhelm when I start checking my email again.”
When difficult feelings come up or you begin to feel overwhelmed about coming back to work after vacation, pause when you need to, take a breather, and name what you’re feeling. Understand that this is a common and valid reaction to going back to work after vacation and that the feelings will likely wane over time.
Reflect on Positive Memories: While it's natural to feel a sense of sadness or longing after returning from vacation, take time to reflect on the positive memories and experiences you had during your trip. Look through photos, journal about your favorite moments, and reminisce about the highlights of your vacation. Focusing on the positive aspects can help lift your spirits and remind you of the joy you experienced.
Plan Your Next Adventure: Combat post-vacation blues by looking forward to future travel plans. Start brainstorming ideas for your next adventure, whether it's a weekend getaway, a road trip, or a dream vacation abroad. Research destinations, create a travel bucket list, and start saving or planning for your next trip. Having something to look forward to can help alleviate feelings of sadness and give you a sense of excitement for the future.
Make a List of Exciting Spring Projects: Embrace the energy of the spring season by making a list of projects to be excited about. Whether it's starting a garden, embarking on a home renovation project, or planning outdoor activities, having a list of exciting projects can help channel your enthusiasm and motivation into productive endeavors.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities to nurture your physical and emotional well-being as you transition back to your regular routine. Schedule time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Taking care of yourself is essential for managing stress and maintaining a positive outlook after returning from vacation.
Stay Connected with Loved Ones: Reconnect with friends and family members to share stories, memories, and experiences from your vacation. Arrange gatherings or virtual meetups to catch up with loved ones and reminisce about your time away. Socializing and connecting with others can help ease feelings of loneliness or sadness and provide a sense of support during the post-vacation adjustment period.
As you reflect on your post-vacation blues and take steps to ease back into your routine, it's essential to prioritize self-care and indulge in activities that bring you joy. One way to lift your spirits and savor the beauty of the present moment is by treating yourself to a delightful culinary creation. Let's transition from navigating post-vacation emotions to embracing the sweetness of the present with a mouthwatering recipe for a Berry Layer Cake with Spring Flowers. This delectable dessert not only tantalizes the taste buds but also serves as a reminder to savor life's simple pleasures and embrace the beauty of each season. So, come dive into the kitchen and whip up this irresistible cake that celebrates the vibrant flavors of spring!
Spring Berry Layer Cake with Edible Flowers
Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
For the sponge cake:
4 eggs
½ cup (100 g) sugar
1 cup (125 g) pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
Butter for greasing the pan
A drop of light vinegar
For the cream, filling, and decoration:
4 cups (1 liter) heavy cream
Roughly 1½ cups (375 g) mascarpone
Roughly ½ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
5 cups (750 g) small strawberries
3 cups (400 g) raspberries
Edible flowers as desired
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 250ºF (120ºC). Grease the pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the flour and baking powder. Separate egg whites and yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer, adding the vinegar. Once they form stiff peaks, add the sugar and mix again.
Gently fold in the egg yolks, then add the flour mixture and gently mix. Pour into the pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.
Let the sponge cake cool before removing it from the pan and cutting it into three discs.
While the sponge cake cools, prepare the cream. Ensure the beaters and heavy cream are cold. Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks, then add the mascarpone and sugar. Beat until smooth and refrigerate if necessary.
Remove stems from strawberries and assemble the cake. Spread cream on the first sponge disc using a spatula. Place raspberries evenly, top with a thin layer of cream, and add the second sponge disc. Repeat with strawberries and another layer of cream. Finish with the third sponge disc and cover the whole cake with a final layer of cream.
Decorate with edible flowers. Serve after refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
Enjoy this delightful Berry Layer Cake with Spring Flowers, a perfect treat to celebrate the arrival of spring!
