There's nothing like the feeling of community when you're at a conference.  I just returned from a thrilling, life-affirming weekend in Atlanta with my friends photographed above at the Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) Annual Conference.

Conference people get us!

We share war stories, struggles, triumphs, and advice.

We take selfies, give hugs, and promise to stay in touch.

And then...we return home.

To real life!  Bills, laundry, doctor's appointments, childcare, meals...the list is long. And the demands of real life can quickly erase all the good feelings you experienced while bonding with your peers.

So don't forget SELF-CARE.

Resist the urge to feel guilty for giving yourself time away from it all to attend the conference and recharge.  Rather, keep the momentum going!

Here are some tips:

• Reach out to a new contact from the conference and ask them how they're doing. (I bet they are also facing the "post-conference blues" and would love to hear from you.)
• Look at the notes you took and implement just one idea that you gleaned from the experience. Taking action energizes the words on a page and makes them real. Plus, you'll feel great that you followed through on a promise to yourself.
• Write yourself an affirmation that solidifies what you learned, not just about your profession or condition, but about yourself. Start with "I am..." and finish that sentence with words that make your heart feel lighter. Take that affirmation out and read it to yourself.

Your feelings are your emotional guidance system, so don't ignore them and just "barrel through" the mounting to-do list. Honor the fact that you're feeling a bit blue and take a moment to tend to those feelings.

Put your hand on your heart and affirm your love for yourself.  (It'll feel a little weird at first, but trust me, it works.)

The most important relationship you'll ever have is with yourself.  As I always say, "You're the one person you are guaranteed to spend the rest of your life with."

That's doesn't negate the beauty of encouragement that comes from surrounding yourself with good people.

But when it's just you, and the laundry, and the e-mails filling your inbox?

Remember to be kind to YOURSELF.