Even without a direct connection to school summer holidays, I can feel the change in energy here in Falmouth this month! I always adjust my expectations and work routine during August, and have put together a few ideas of things that help me, and which might be useful if you have kids off school too...
Create a Routine:
Having a basic routine can help you and the people around you maintain a sense of structure, even if it's a much softer and flimsier version of how things work during term-time.
Everyone's expectations can be adjusted and it doesn't need to be set in stone, but just the fact of having a general plan for the day can reduce uncertainty, anxiety and overwhelm.
Our brains like familiarity, and if we can give them a bit of this (even in small, sneaky doses) it helps us stay more calm and regulated than if we are making all our decisions moment by moment.
I choose to wake up at the same time every day, have my cup of tea and 'go-to' breakfast, and then I take my dog for a walk. Of course this can be altered if there are specific plans, but if not then the first hour of my day just flows without planning or forethought.
Know How To Relax:
It's so easy to let go of regular wellbeing practices during the Summer and 'holiday season', but ironically this can be when we need them the most. If you have a familiar breathwork, meditation, yoga or relaxation practice, try scheduling it into your diary as a solid plan.
You might choose to protect these relaxing moments as precious time for yourself, but it could also be nice to try them as a family, or perhaps some dedicated 'one-to-one' time with a child. An online search can bring up examples of yoga, meditation or breathwork sessions that are geared towards different ages - I'd be curious to know how these go for you!
Actually Catch Up On Sleep?
I hear a lot from Mums that when their children are asleep they use the time to get as much done as possible, which makes total sense in a busy practical world. However, I'm just going to include an option here that you could also use the time to catch up on your own sleep too. Intentional rest is a big thing for me at the moment and I'm choosing to embrace it.
I know this isn't always easy (there are always reasons why we 'can't' or 'shouldn't') but the reality is that there are always more things to be done, and life can become a hamster-wheel never-ending to-do-list. Rather than endlessly chasing completion of tasks, I'm just referencing the choice to stop and say 'enough - I'm going to rest now.' You'll know when this is realistic for you and when it's not.
Get Outside and Digital Detox:
You know how much I love getting outside in a calm, spacious environments, especially if it can be by the water.
Even if you can't find a way to connect with 'blue health', any time outside in green spaces will help with reconnection to natural rhythms and getting grounded. I like to take my shoes off as much as possible, and sit on the floor rather than on benches or chairs. Take a picnic blanket and lie out for a while if you can - this is so much more relaxing than standing waiting, scrolling on a phone.
Connect with People Who Support, Nourish and Calm You:
When your energy levels are more limited (as is likely during August in Cornwall) can you be more selective about who you spend time with? We don't have to say 'yes' to every invitation or suggestion that's made.
If I start to notice that certain groups or individuals leave me feeling drained or irritable, I question whether I really need to interact with them, or whether I can politely decline and do something else. On the flip side, I love it when I notice the people and situations that feel really good and nourishing - I'll consciously replicate the bits that work best.
Mentally Create An 'Energy Shield'`:
If you have challenging situations which you really can't get away from, think about ways that you can have an 'energy shield' around you and practice staying a little bit detached. Especially for those of us who are highly sensitive or empathetic, this can be a game-changer. Can you be physically present, but also protect yourself emotionally and energetically?
(I'll do a longer post on this, coming up! Email me if you'd like this sent to you!)
Stop and Practice Gratitude:
It's a cliche, but that's because it works. If everything feels a bit much, pause and notice the things that are going well.
This could be a journaling moment in a notebook, on the Notes in your phone, or just in your head as you're making a cup of tea. Gratitude is not about forcing toxic positivity, but remembering to actively notice the good things that are already present. There's a wonderful explanation from Brene Brown that says joy doesn't inspire gratitude, it's actually the other way around.
Gratitude lists can also be great to do with children. Make it into a game of 'who can be the first to find 10 things you're grateful for' - the smaller the better, and the more you practice the easier it gets. Mine for today are:
The blue sky when I woke up this morning
Cup of tea
Not having to rush
Fresh fruit on my yoghurt and oats
Getting a parking space
Light winds for paddleboarding
Helpful work meeting
Dog sitter
Headache disappearing
Appointment-free afternoon
Once you get going, you realise they don't have to be fancy!
I'd love to hear any more of your tips for managing wellbeing during school summer holidays - especially if you are a parent with ideas to support each other. Comment on my linked Instagram post and let us know how you are doing!
