School holidays can be a fantastic time to make lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Looking after your well-being will help you navigate some of the pressures of school holidays. There is pressure to purchase expensive gifts and activities. There is family pressure to be sociable when you are tired, and pressure to entertain family and friends. We often face high expectations from our children when money may be tight and energy levels are low.
While it can be a time of joy, for some it will be a time of overwhelm and sadness. Perhaps your relationship has broken down. Perhaps you have suffered a recent loss of a friend or family member. Maybe it is your first time without your child or children over the holidays. Whatever situation you are facing, here are some tips to get through the school holidays.
Focus on sleep
Lack of sleep affects mood significantly, and is strongly linked with anxiety and depression. Frequent sleeplessness around the holidays might make a busy time a bit more stressful. On the nights when you can, take time to wind down and go to bed at a reasonable hour. This will help reduce overwhelm and look after your well-being. It will prepare you for the next day and help you top up your much needed energy. If you struggle to wind down, there are plenty of apps through which you can listen to a guided meditation or relaxing sounds. Going to bed with a clearer head will make you sleep better. If sleep doesn’t come easily, focus on your breathing, using our 7:11 breathing approach.
Get some fresh air
Getting out for a walk when you can in the fresh air has so many benefits for well-being. It will do a lot to help reduce cortisol levels and allow you to ‘blow away the cobwebs’. Movement is one of our key emotional needs. Involve frinds or family, or go by yourself. If you are going alone perhaps you might listen to a podcast or just appreciate the quiet. You can explore your local area, you don’t have to go far but a regular walk is a good way to improve your mood, process your thoughts and exercise gently.
Get some alone time
Privacy is really important and can be difficult to get in a house full of family and visitors over the holidays. Having some time to reflect on the day, and just sit quietly, reduces overwhelm and helps you clear your head. During the school holidays, routines in your house are different and you might all be home more than usual. Sometimes you might be staying at someone else’s house or have guests. Getting some time alone may mean grabbing 5 minutes with a hot drink or a glass of water first thing in the morning before people get up. It could also meaning sitting for a few minutes when everyone else has settled down. Whatever you do, it will help get a clearer head. Just like a computer, our brain needs a reset from time to time. Even more so when our normal routine is disrupted.
Make the most of the school holidays, look after yourself and recharge your batteries. I hope these tips help you enjoy the school holidays with your loved ones.