Autism and Change of Routine: Re-establishing Normal After Trip

I recently went on a trip to Iceland with my sister. As a neurodiverse adult, I really like having a routine, and I’ll admit a dramatic change was at times a challenge. But it was an incredible trip and I am thankful for the experience.

Having autism and change of routine can be good, but there is always the back to reality blues.But re-establishing normalcy after autism and change of routine has been tougher than I thought.

While on vacation, everything about my typical autism and routine day was different. I didn’t have to worry about normal responsibilities, although there was a ton to do with the young adult group tour we went. It was certainly a different kind of busyness than what I am typically accustomed to, and the first week back has proven to be somewhat brutal.

My body is confused by the time change and exhausted from all the excitement and stimulation encountered while on vacation.  Autism and a change of routine typically means time is needed to adjust, and although I did great while on my trip, I’ve found it harder to return to my normal autism and routine schedule I typically don’t think twice about.

The first week back passed by in a whirlwind. I have to keep reminding yourself that the glowing vacation afterglow will slowly fade with each passing day as regular life resumes.

Here are some tips and tricks to ease back into life after autism and change of routine.

Autism and Routine Adjustments After Vacation

  • Give Yourself Time to Overcome Jetlag
    Don’t plan any big events or activities for a few days after returning. Give your body and mind time to rest and recover from travel exhaustion. Take it easy and indulge in relaxation as part of your re-established autism and routine.
  • Ease Back Into Your Exercise Routine
    Don’t head straight for an intense spin class or bootcamp if you’ve been inactive on vacation. Start light to avoid burnout, soreness, or injury from overdoing it too quickly. Build back up to your normal regimen gradually after autism and change of routine.
  • Make Healthier Eating a Priority
    Vacation is the perfect time to indulge in delicious local cuisine and treats! As tempting as they are though, high-fat and sugary foods can make the transition back to reality even harder. Fuel your body with nutritious whole foods and stay hydrated while returning to your autism and routine lifestyle.
  • Unplug from Work in the Evenings
    Don’t spend your first few nights back from vacation glued to your inbox catching up. Set a work cut-off time in the evenings to preserve free time and keep work-life boundaries. Proper rest is crucial for recovering from jet lag following autism and change of routine.
  • Reconnect with Friends and Family and Share Stories
    Schedule dinner dates, coffee meetups or activities with friends and family you missed while away. Swap recaps of your amazing vacations – it’s a great way to hold onto the blissful feelings a bit longer and help with easing back into your autism and routine lifestyle.
  • Look at Trip Photos and Videos
    Combat the post-vacation blues by reliving your journey’s highlights through pictures. Make a photo book, share a slideshow with family, or frame favorite shots to hang on your wall. It’s a great way to keep the happy feelings going following autism and change of routine.
  • Plan Your Next Adventure
    Having another trip to look forward to makes returning to your daily grind much more bearable. Where will your next dream destination be? Start a vacation savings fund and research ideas to get excited for your next getaway!
  • Be Patient with Yourself
    Accept that you can’t just flip a switch and be back to your normal productivity levels overnight. Allow yourself grace as you get back into the swing of things. Don’t get frustrated—it’s a process to return to your life with autism and change of routine.
  • Take Time to Sort Through Your Vacation Photos
    Comb through the hundreds (or thousands!) of trip photos you likely took and organize your favorites. Delete blurry ones, edit highlights, create albums, and order printed copies to hang on the fridge or give as gifts.
  • Catch Up with the Outside World
    Check news sites to see what major events you missed while disconnected on vacation. Reacquaint yourself with pop culture happenings and catch up on new music or buzzy TV shows. Don’t feel guilty for unplugging—it was vacation, and you deserve a departure from your regular autism and routine life.
  • Do Laundry and Unpack Completely
    Don’t let suitcases sit half-unpacked for weeks, constantly reminding you of your dream trip. Fully unpack, do laundry, put away clothes in drawers and closets. Store luggage away until your next adventure.
  • Replenish Groceries and Meal Prep
    After eating at restaurants for every meal, your fridge is probably looking pretty empty. Restock it with healthy staples and prepare some homemade meals. Getting back into a cooking routine feels good.
  • Deep Clean Your Home
    Hotels and Airbnb’s make your own space seem dull. Tackle overdue cleaning like scrubbing bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming, and washing sheets to make your home feel fresh.
  • Schedule Back-to-Reality Coffee Dates
    Meet up with any friends or family who didn’t get to hear about your trip firsthand yet. Show them your trip photos and reminisce over lattes. It’s a perfect midweek pick-me-up.
  • Get Back to Your Workout Routine
    By now you should be fully over any jet lag. Slowly get back into your normal exercise regimen if you eased off with your autism and change of routine lifestyle. Breaking a sweat releases feel-good endorphins!

The vacation magic, even as time goes on and your autism and routine is re-established, never completely disappears. Hold onto those special memories while creating new ones going forward. Appreciate the trip for what it was—an amazing temporary escape from reality and autism change of routine. But don’t forget—your regular life has rewards too!

Autism and Change of Routine:  Why Traveling is So Worth It

Traveling can be an amazing experience so coming home and re-establishing your autism and routine life can be a bit sad because you know the trip is over. Autism and change of routine due to travel can be somewhat stressful, but the experiences are worth it!

This is the nature of time; everything must come to an end, but that’s okay because you can go on new trips in the future and keep growing as a person.

The great thing about time is that everything is always changing, you never have to be stuck in stagnation, you can always keep growing. Don’t be so sad about going back to your old habits at home try to see the beauty in the everyday and appreciate the things you can’t bring on travel like your comfy bed, your car, and your loved ones.

Enjoy the present and your home and look forward to the future, where you can travel all over the world while appreciating where you came from.

The unfortunate reality is vacations can’t last forever. As wonderful as getting away may be and having autism and change of routine, coming home is never easy. But focusing on the joyful memories, being gentle with yourself, and having something to look forward to will ease the transition back to a predictable autism and routine life.

Though one journey ended, remember – a new one is just beginning!

Autism in Adults:  Living, Learning, and Overcoming Challenges for a Fulfilled Life

Autism in adults requires additional support and coping skills to achieve independence in today’s world. Learn more about ways adults can live fulfilled lives and the challenges they face.

Picture of Connor McClure

Connor McClure

I'm a young adult navigating life with autism. By sharing my experiences and views, I hope to create a better awareness, understanding, and compassion for those on the spectrum. Let's connect!
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