Post-holiday stress is very real, and not at all pretty. After a few days of relaxing and having the time of your life, coming back to reality can feel overwhelming. Suitcases need unpacking, laundry piles up, your calendar quickly fills, and everyday life resumes. Feeling stressed is only natural—but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning, you can avoid post-holiday stress altogether.
Yes, you can avoid it. If you think that post-holiday stress is part and parcel of the whole holiday experience, think again. There is one single thing you can do to avoid it.
Food planning. Plan the before, the after, and the foreseeable future
Food plays such an integral part in our lives and takes up so much of our energy. With 3 meals a day plus snacks to cater for, for a family of 2, 3, 4, and sometimes more – food planning is time consuming.
Why and how will food planning help me avoid post-holiday stress?
Since food planning takes up so much of our time, planning wisely and in advance can clear up your calendar to make way for settling in at a mindful pace.
Not being prepared can backfire twofold. Besides being overly stressful (let’s face it – coming home to an empty fridge and no menus planned out really takes all the fun out of going on holiday!); resorting to quick and unhealthy food options can take a toll on your overall health, mood and energy levels.
Over time, I’ve refined a 3-step guide to ultimate post-holiday heaven
This is how I get myself organised a few weeks before we take off. Aim to plan at least 3 weeks in advance.
Step 1 – Plan the before
The last week before a holiday is usually much busier than a normal week. You’re packing, fitting in appointments, running last-minute errands, and trying to leave the house looking tidy before you go. That’s why it’s so helpful to have easy meals ready for this busy week.
I recommend starting your food planning at least three weeks in advance. This gives you plenty of time to make a few simple adjustments and have meals ready before you leave.
Choose five easy dishes ahead of time. Think meals that are easy to batch cook, freeze, and serve. Curries, lasagne, a roast, and a veggie omelette are all great options. They can be prepared in bulk with very little extra effort.
Cook multiple portions whenever you can. Enjoy one that week, freeze the rest, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 2 – Plan the after
Once you sort out your food menu for the week of the holiday, think about when you return home. The following are the main target areas you need to prepare for.
Breakfasts, lunches & dinners
In all cases, the key here is having pre-prepared meals in the freezer ready to whip out for all 3 main meals of the day. There are plenty of options available. My favourite are egg casseroles for breakfast and wraps for lunch. There are numerous recipes online. I share my best-loved personal recipes along with preparation & freezing tips in my book.
If you’re really clever with dinner, you can prepare 3 portions of 4-5 dinners when preparing for step 1. Let’s say, 3 weeks in advance, you prepare 3 portions of a curry, lasagne, a roast, and a veggie omelette. Portion 1 can be eaten that same week, portion 2 the week when you leave for your holiday, and portion 3 the week when you are back. Success? Sounds like it!
Having a decently stocked fridge (and freezer)
This of course depends on the length of your holiday. I have managed to come back to a decently stocked fridge and freezer after a week-long trip. Make a list of the basics you use on a daily basis, and try and see how you can manage to have most of the items on hand when you come back. This is my list, and how I manage.
Milk – I buy a few cartons of long life
Ham – I freeze a packet or two of roast ham slices
Cheese & yoghurt – I buy a few of these with a longer shelf life, ready to consume when we are back
Bread – I freeze a brown bread sandwich
Basics shopping list
The aim of this list is to stock up on the essentials you’ll need for your first week back. Keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate things by writing down every item that comes to mind. Instead, focus on convenience.
Plan a quick stop at a nearby shop that has everything you need. You can do this on the first or second day after you return. If you’re collecting tired kids after work or juggling housework with a busy toddler, don’t be afraid to delegate. My husband can pop to the shop in just 15 minutes, while it would take me much longer.
Here’s what my list usually looks like:
Fruit
Veggies
Fresh milk
Bread
Anything else I need urgently and we are out of
Step 3 – Plan the foreseeable future
Your first week back is the busiest, and you need to think about the following week before you know it. This step is crucial to avoiding post-holiday stress. Back before I finalised my 3-step plan, and I had just steps 1 and 2 planned out, I felt somewhat overwhelmed the instant I realised the days had flown and it was already time to plan for another week yet again.
Here’s how I wrap things up.
I prepare a menu plan as well as a shopping list for the second week following the holiday.
Genius, right?
And there you have it. My 3-step guide to ultimate post-holiday heaven. Forget about post-holiday stress. Ease back into routine at your own pace with peace of mind.
For more fantastic planning tips – check out my book! It is LOADED with valuable tricks to help you make the most out of your time, so you can maximise your days & make time for things you love most.
Until next time mamas! xxx
Nakita
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