Planning a vacation can be an exciting part of the whole travel experience - the anticipation of exploring a new corner of the Earth or revisiting a familiar haven. Like many, I find myself researching the top spots to visit, checking restaurant reviews, and even contemplating capsule wardrobes that might help me blend in with the locals (the ultimate achievement!) All this preparation for the precious moments when we can disconnect from our daily obligations and indulge in much-needed rest and relaxation.

However, what happens when the vacation ends? When we reluctantly disable the out-of-office notification and dive back into the routine of grocery shopping, house cleaning, and endless email reading?

For many of us, there's a sense of post-vacation blues accompanied by dry, dull skin, disrupted elimination patterns, and a general feeling of scatterbrained unfocused blah. We may even wonder, "Why do I feel so cold? Am I catching a cold?" The answer lies in Vata.

Vata is the dosha associated with air and ether, and if you've taken a flight, you've experienced an onslaught of Vata energy. Even in an enclosed space, you're literally surrounded by harsh, dry, air. The dryness during the flight often intensifies our craving for even more dryness, perhaps explaining why the snack cart is loaded with crackers, pretzels, and white wine.

To navigate the surge of Vata energy that accompanies long-distance travel, whether by plane or a road trip with a carefully curated playlist and gas station snacks. Here are five essential tips to restore balance and promote a smooth transition back to everyday life.

Harness the power of the ocean:

Ayurveda teaches us that salt embodies the essence of fire and water, representing one of the six essential tastes. It is also tonifying, meaning it builds up tissues. After being in the arid air of an airplane or air-conditioned car, our mucus membranes become dehydrated and fried. The moisture building qualities of salt water as well as the antibacterial benefits of a saline flush helps to stave off the germs looking for a new home. I recommend using 1 tsp of sea salt or Hymalian in 6 oz of warm water in a neti pot (It should taste like the ocean) flush your nostrils, gargle your throat and if you have an eye cup (get an eye cup) flush both eyes as well. Repeat this 2-3 times and witness how clear your sinuses feel after, its pretty amazing. This is a great practice anytime you feel that tingle in your throat of a cold coming along.

2. Slather on the oil :

The ancient practice of oiling the body reigns supreme in Ayurveda, especially when Vata energy is at play. After a long flight, where my toddler actually decided she would like to take a hard pass on the nap, eat her weight in pringles and stay glued to her Ipad instead, the one thing I desperately need the minute I settle back home is to sit in my bathroom and rub my body with oil, breathe, tell myself I’m still a good mother even though I yelled more than I wanted to, or bribed or just gave in to the things I wanted to stay firm on. And then soak in a warm salt bath or warm shower until I feel myself coming back home to myself.

The practice of Abayanga is done by vigorously rubbing warm oil in long strokes over the entire body, this is said to bring toxins to the surface of your skin where the thickness of the oil holds it, lightly washing off the oil afterward eliminates those accumulated toxins.

For an added touch of self care, start with a body dry brushing session, moving in long strokes from feet to head, always toward the heart. This stimulates circulation, particularly beneficial after the constricting effects of prolonged sitting during a flight. Follow this invigorating practice with a warm shower or bath, and then savor the pure indulgence of applying oil to your skin like a golden, vacationed, goddess. Rinse off the oil the following morning. Trust me, this ritual is pure magic. ( A Little note: Oil stains clothes, find some ugly dark clothing to be your abhyanga clothes… ahem like that old college t-shirt from the college you never went to…)

3: Spice up the Digestion

I get it, you’re sitting still for hours in a confined space with all this free time to relax, it feels like something that should be celebrated and that can mean that free inflight drink and bag of salty pretzels can look pretty enticing but the dryness in the cabin, the lack of movement and access to sunlight leaves our agni (our digestive fire) completely unsure of what to with any incoming food. This can look like constipation, dry stool or a mixture of both. Vata's favorite place to vacation is your colon so the best way to combat the digestive uproar that vata can create is to eat moisture rich food. Think soupy and oily. And remember

Ghee is gold, my loves. According to Ayurveda Ghee not only lubricates the digestive tract it also has a “scraping” quality in which it draws toxin to it (much like the concept of Abhyanga) to be passed and eliminated with ease.

You can also try taking 1 tsp of ghee in lemon water first thing in the morning, drink plenty, plenty of water and boost your water with aloe vera juice (inner filet not whole leaf) If your constitution allows for it, warm lemon ginger water will also get the digestion fired up . Part of what makes a vacation so enticing is the idea of immersing myself in a new culture, food and all. When I get home I often feel like the bloat of having consumed food I wouldn’t normally eat or eat regularly. I like to reset my routine with a 3 day Ayurvedic cleanse (Which you can find here )

4: GROUND YOURSELF

Vata is light and airy and likes to move, especially in the “open spaces” of our being (mind, colon, uterus ect) When Vata gains momentum, it can leave many feeling ethereal, spacey, and disconnected or out of focus. The best way to combat this is to LITERALLY ground ourselves with earth energy. In Ayurveda, like increases like and the opposite heals. So get into nature, feel the cool, solid earth beneath you, go for a walk, lay on the grass, on the sand or even just simply watering your plants in the sun will help boost the earth's energy and ground the ever floaty Vata. Try to get at least 10 minutes of morning sunlight on your face to help recalibrate your circadian rhythm if you are managing a time zone shift and light exercise like a grounding hip focused yoga flow to get everything moving and grooving doesn’t hurt. Lastly, try meditating to the bija mantra LUM while focusing on the tip of your tailbone and imagining roots from your body to the earth grounding and connecting you back to this time and place. Keep repeating the words LUUUMMMMMM and try to feel an energetic shift to a slower more grounded you.

5: Become the goddess of sleep

It can be disorienting to jump right back into work and everyday activities after time away so give yourself time to rest, reflect and digest all the events from your vacation. Prioritize your sleep routine in the first week back with an evening Dinacharya that limits stimulants like TV, Social Media, Sugar or anything that would excite you or get your mind racing. Vata energy tends to be high and seeks ways to stimulate both the body and mind. Do yourself a favor, turn down the lights, put on the blue light glasses and put your phone away.

My personal Dinacharya varies seasonally and sometimes even monthly, adapting to the ebb and flow of life. Nevertheless, the guiding principles remain steadfast: create a serene ambiance with gentle lighting, infuse the air with a calming scent, honor personal rituals, and, most importantly, embrace rest.

If Jetlag really has a hold on you, try a magnesium supplement or drinking tulsi tea before bed, one of Ayurvedas darling rasayana herbs that helps to calm and relax the body and mind. I drink THIS blend most nights to help me ease into the evening. If you are really struggling to log your 8 hrs after traveling, the practice of Yoga Nidra is a fantastic tool to help you feel refreshed and energized and is a nice alternative to guzzling caffeine and feeling dazed.

Here are a few little extra HERBAL ALLIES to add to your week. As always, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider or a trusted professional for personalized guidance, as individual needs and reactions vary.

Ground yourself with herbal roots like Ashwagandha, Burdock, Dandelion root, licorice, and Marshmallow root. Demulcents that help moisturize like Marshmallow, Flax seeds and Chia seeds are a good option as well and any warming spices that you may be drawn to like cinnamon are all perfect allies to help you get back to a place of balance.

Try incorporating some of these rituals and herbal allies into your post-vacation routine and let me know in the comments what your favorite post travel hack is. Remember, the journey is ongoing.