Feeling gloomy about the end of summer? Not ready to wave goodbye to the warm days, casual clothes, and beach sunsets with friends? We get it. The good news is that it’s possible to get back to routine in a more positive way – with a little planning and creativity. Try these 10 tips to get back into routine with Alegria.

1. Take it easy the first few days

The first few days at work are always the hardest. There are a thousand things left undone, new people, a lot to catch up on, the feeling of being out of pace. On those intense days, give yourself a break. After all, you just came back from vacation.

Start slowly. You don’t really need to do everything on the first day. Prioritize the most important tasks and take them on gradually. If possible, plan short breaks during the first few weeks to relax and keep your balance. Enjoy the little things – like a glass of wine at the end of the day, no stress attached. Choose your favorite wine (ever heard of Casal Garcia’s sangrias) or your Fruitzy of choice. Build your own ritual around this moment and enjoy!

2. Organize your home or workspace

This tip isn’t the most fun, but it’s necessary. A good way to regain a sense of control is to spend some time organizing your home or workspace. Especially if you work from home or have children around.

Start by unpacking in an organized way and doing a general cleaning. This helps eliminate the feeling of clutter and chaos. Organize documents. Book important dates and appointments so you feel more prepared. Write down tasks you have to do and break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes work easier and helps to create structure and stability.

3. Create a welcoming environment

Smooth the transition to daily routine with a welcoming environment that conveys comfort and relaxation. Small changes can have surprising effects. Sometimes it’s enough to change cushions, blankets or rugs to make a space feel more comfortable and inviting. Plants and flowers can also bring a touch of nature and vitality to the home. Maybe it’s time to update the decor in your home or switch to softer lighting?

4. Come back from vacation a few days early

This tip is hard, but it works, especially if your vacation involved travel. A gradual return is essential to make a good transition between a period of relaxation and the obligations of the daily routine.

One way to achieve this is to return from vacation a few days before the actual start of work. For example, if you arrive on a Sunday and go to work on Monday, brace for a shock. It’s important to set aside a few days to organize and rest before returning to work.

5. Plan short weekend getaways

One of the best ways to extend the feeling of being on vacation is to plan short weekend getaways. These trips allow you to continue relaxing and enjoying the summer temperatures before fall arrives.

You can choose destinations closer to home that don’t require long journeys to make the most of your leisure time. We’re biased, but have you ever visited Quinta da Aveleda, where Casal Garcia was born? It’s a different and relaxing way to spend the weekend, with peaceful walks in the vineyards, tasting experiences and various events dedicated to wine. At the end, stop by our store and grab a souvenir to add to your collection.

6. Host a “end of summer” dinner party with family and friends

An excellent way to bring the vacation feeling home and create moments of Joy is to organize a dinner party with family and friends. Think of it almost like a rite of passage, to relive flavors and memories.

Prepare a special menu with your favorite dishes. Welcome your friends with wine cocktails to get them in the mood for Joy. Prepare some tapas starters and easy, delicious dishes. Open a fresh bottle of Casal Garcia to keep the party going. The goal is to create a festive atmosphere with the most important people in your life, enjoy their company and share vacation stories.

7. Be grateful

That’s right. It may sound very Zen, but this tip is important for living in the present with more intensity and appreciate the things in life that would otherwise go unnoticed. At first, it may require some intentional will power, because this isn’t an automatic habit, but it’s worth it.

It’s easier than it sounds: take a few minutes every day to pay attention to the present. Focus on the things you’re grateful for and appreciate small moments, like a cup of coffee in the morning or the sound of birds outside your window. The effect is amazing: with this kind of visualization and focus you’re nurturing a positive mindset on your return from vacation and fighting that feeling of discouragement.

8. Stay active (preferably outdoors)

Enjoy the fresh air while the weather is still mild. Not only does it contribute to your mental well-being, it also helps you stay fit. Take some walks in parks or natural areas near you. Discover your region by bike, explore new neighborhoods or coastal bike paths.

Round up a few friends and plan a picnic in local parks. Prepare good snacks, some games or simply relax. Keep an eye out for local events such as craft fairs, music festivals or sporting events. The important thing is to enjoy invigorating moments in close contact with nature.

9. Learn something new

An exciting way to keep your spirits up when you return from vacation is the prospect of learning something new, that challenges you and that matches your tastes and interests. How about a visit to Quinta da Aveleda? You can take wine courses and workshops to learn a little more about its history, how it’s produced and how to taste it. It is not just for winemakers or sommeliers, it’s a good way to spend a different afternoon (and find out exactly what a sommelier does).

Pick something that is not a task, but a fun activity related to your personal interest. Explore dance classes, cooking, crafts, music, art, yoga, gardening or anything else that brings a renewed sense of purpose to your daily routine.

10. Schedule time for yourself

Yes, relaxation also needs to be scheduled. Otherwise, you risk skipping it. Set aside time in your schedule for relaxation, and treat these moments as important appointments, just as you would do with work meetings. By scheduling this, you’re taking care of your mental and physical health.

For example, create your own relaxation schedule with a long hot bath, meditation and mindfulness, reading, yoga, nature walks or even watching a movie. Also, set aside some time to spend with friends and family. All of this is vital for your emotional well-being.

Casal Garcia: back to work with that summer Joy!

It’s true that vacations are special, but the day-to-day routine can also be filled with good times. With Casal Garcia, everyday life can be just as interesting as during vacations. Here’s to a return full of new experiences, with Joy!