As August ends, I’m preparing to return to regular life after a beach holiday. I always find this takes some doing because in the build up to summer, there’s always plenty to look forward to. However, this isn’t quite so at the end of the season, particularly when a holiday is involved.

Since I can find the return from hols a bit daunting, I am always sure to have some dates in the diary for my return: dinner with friends and seeing new theatre productions. This ensures I don’t solely focus on the horror on unpacking and laundry. Is it just me or is unpacking nearly as bad as packing?

As September approaches, I’m also taking time to reflect on my annual goals. I’m extremely happy with my commitment to outdoor summer yoga and 5K Fridays, however I feel my monthly focus has lost some focus. Yes, I could retrofit and say that yoga and cycling were my goals for July and August, but that wasn’t quite how I embarked upon them. So with the start of a new month just ahead, I am recommitting to my monthly focus. I’m using the last few days of August to determine exactly what that will be. At the moment, I’m leaning toward meditation.

So even if we’re not entering autumn with a new backpack and fresh set of school supplies, we can can revel in the change of weather and make plans to keep us from succumbing to the post-holiday blues.

What’s your favourite thing about returning from holiday?