Everyone these days is feeling grumpy. Or down. Or some level of frustration. Or a vague combination of all three. It was noticeable enough before. But now even the holiday season isn’t working its usual magic.

The New York Times said: “Millions of Americans Can’t Shake a Gloomy Outlook.”

It’s this damned pandemic. The illness, death and loss has created a sustained sorrow — a second pandemic of poor mental health. The on again, off again mask mandates and lock-downs make everyone feel trapped and uncertain about the future. The new variants. The political acrimony. It’s all just too much to sustain for what will soon be two entire years.

It seems like there’s no escape, no break, from bad news.

And so it’s hard to get inspired, or feel joy.

Or is it?

Amira and I just got back from a week in Oaxaca. (And three days in Mexico City.)

Traveling to Mexico is not unusual for us, even during the pandemic. We’ve been to Oaxaca six times this year. The difference is that we’re normally very busy. But this time we didn’t really do anything except meet with lots of friends, eat a lot and have a ton of fun.

We did some hiking, including some quality time hiking up to the Monte Albán site (ruins of the capital city of the Zapotec empire), and then just hung around among and upon ancient pyramids all day.

We ate some delicious food (including a special chef’s dinner complete with on-premises mezcal distillation and live music).

What we discovered is: This is the cure!

Here’s the specific formula for curing a pandemic funk:

1. Go to a beautiful place that has great food

2. Let go of all structure — no bedtime, no calls, no work

3. Immerse yourself in the place and forget about home for a time

4. Hang out with people who are positive and supportive

5. Get some exercise and sunshine and spend time in nature

6. Don’t check the news or social media — do a digital detox

7. Avoid tourist services, hotels and conventional activities

8. Listen to music, dance, eat and forget about the world and all your troubles!

The reason this works is that you’re removing yourself from your everyday life, letting go of all the problems and sadness in the world and re-acquainting yourself with care-free fun and the joy of food, drink and friends.

Yes, this is the Gastronomad way to travel, and it’s something that happens during our Gastronomad Experiences. Even more so, because during an Experience our guests make no decisions at all, which is yet another way to take a break for people who make too many decisions every day.

But whether you join a Gastronomad Experience or not, it’s time to use our 8-point formula to break that pandemic funk you’re in.

Joy to the world! -Mike