Gentle Productivity: Easing Back Into Work After Travel, Sickness, and Lady Flo

Coming home from a trip is always bittersweet. The memories are still fresh, but reality comes rushing in: unpacking, catching up on tasks, and in my case, nursing a body that’s both recovering from travel and fighting off sickness—just as Lady Flo decides to arrive. For me, easing back into work isn’t about diving into my to-do list. It’s about giving myself permission to move slowly.

I Make a Short List (and check it twice!)

I normally write down a long list of tasks, but during recovery days, my list is composed of 3-5 easy items only. I also break down large chores into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, instead of changing all the beddings, I just change the pillow cases - my pillow cases. Then i'll change my son's on another day and then my husband's. When I do the laundry, I don't get overwhelmed with beddings, pillow cases, and comforters in one go. 

If I don't finish everything on the list, that's okay, too! I will just write that on tomorrow's list. This system is actually very hard for my ADHD brain. When my brain zeroes in on a task, she needs to finish it before the day ends. Over the years, I've learned to train my brain not to feel bad or anxious if we don't finish a task. I do something small to compensate, like washing a few dishes or reading a few paragraphs from the book I've been meaning to finish. 

Start Small, Stay Consistent

I primarily avoid the overwhelming tasks. In the example above, I did all the house chores first before doing bookkeeping. Most people tackle the big, mentally-challenging tasks at the start of their day. My ADHD brain functions differently. I need to stack up small wins as my day begins to carry me through the bigger, harder tasks. 

Small tasks get me into the rhythm. Once I have momentum, the bigger tasks feel less intimidating. The hardest task on my list is writing 2 blog posts. Sometimes writing takes 15 minutes, sometimes 4 hours, depending on the topic. So, I reserve that for last. 

Exercise Can Wait

While fitness is important, I know my body well enough to say no for now. Jumping straight into exercise after travel and sickness would be brutal, so I listen to what my body is telling me. Rest now means strength later. 

I don't exercise, but I treat chores as such, so intead of dreading the chores, I look at them as a chance to stretch and move my body even during recovery. 

Hydrate

Pineapple Strawberry Smoothie

I hydrate a lot during sickness and Lady Flo days. I also continue to drink lots of water (more than my usual) and healing smoothies and juices 

Naps Between Tasks

Instead of pushing myself to “catch up,” I sprinkle naps throughout my day. A twenty-minute rest can do wonders, especially when my body is in healing mode. It may not look productive, but the energy I regain helps me actually finish the work that matters.

Anchor to Rituals

I keep small, grounding rituals close: making onsen eggs in the morning, cooking rice, or writing short reflections. These remind me that productivity doesn’t have to be loud or flashy—it can be soft and nurturing.

Easing back into work after travel, sickness, and period pains isn’t about checking every box. It’s about honoring your body, listening to its whispers, and moving at a pace that brings healing instead of exhaustion. Soft luxe living means knowing rest is also work.