Ever come back from a vacation feeling refreshed… only to lose that ease within 24 hours? In this episode, I share my own post-camping crash — the joy I felt in nature, the stress that crept back as soon as I pulled into the driveway, and why our brains are wired to slip back into old patterns. You’ll learn why vacations feel so restorative, why the magic fades so fast, and how to bring small, meaningful pieces of that vacation feeling into your everyday life.

Coming home from a holiday can be a rude awakening. One minute, you’re sleeping well, moving your body joyfully, soaking up nature, and feeling deeply connected to the people you love. The next, you’re staring down an overflowing inbox, a growing to-do list, and a calendar packed with obligations.

In this week’s episode of Thrive Beyond Size, I share my own experience coming back from 10 days of camping — and how quickly the stress and old habits came rushing back. We’ll explore:

  • Why vacations feel so restorative — from slower rhythms and more outdoor time to meaningful connection and permission to rest.
  • The pull of old patterns — how environmental cues, habit loops, and cultural pressures push us back into busyness.
  • The role of the brain — why familiar routines feel “safer” than new, nourishing ones, even when we want to change.
  • Practical ways to bring vacation home — identifying the habits that matter most and finding their smallest, most doable versions for everyday life.

If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the feeling of vacation and sprinkle it into your daily routine, this episode will give you a starting place. You don’t need to recreate your whole holiday — you just need to carry the parts that matter most into your regular life, and protect them like you would any important commitment.

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Connect with me on Instagram: @wayzahealth

Learn more about my coaching and programs: wayzahealth.com

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