How to Enjoy the Summer

The school summer holidays are upon us, and for many of my clients the delicate juggling act of work, family and their own needs becomes ever more complicated. How can you enjoy the summer rather than feel you are just getting by? Whatever the reason that summer is complicated for you, these tips will help you keep your cool.

Make a plan
It may sound simple, but planning how you are going to spend your time will help you achieve your goals and will take the pressure off. Carve time out for what you want and need to do over the next few weeks. The rest can wait.
 
Recognise what will cause you stress
Knowing what is going to push your buttons before it happens will help you prepare. Perhaps you are going on holiday with family or friends and you want to avoid friction and old grievances being re-aired; maybe it’s your first trip with a new partner and you are feeling anxious of how things will turn out; or you’re worried about keeping your sanity with the children at home full time. Once you know what the problem is, you can make a plan to keep things under control.
 
Identify coping strategies
What helps you keep calm when you are feeling overwhelmed? This might be recruiting an ally to help you unwind when it comes to tricky family dynamics; maybe you find it easier to remove yourself from the situation for a time; or is exercise essential to you to stay calm? Whatever works for you, make sure you have your support plan in place.
 
Get help
Accept help when it's offered. This might be with childcare, or a colleague offering to help you with a project. Research this week shows that we are happier when we spend money to give us more time to do things rather than buying material items. If you are able to: pay for a cleaner, buy some prepared meals or find a babysitter so you can go out with your partner or friends. Give yourself some time.
 
Remember to breathe
Take regular moments to pause and regroup. Remind yourself that this is just a moment in time. Look for the positives and identify moments each day that you have enjoyed. Savour those moments.
 
Personal coaching can really help you put a plan in place and focus on what is and isn’t important. Helping my clients deal with the stress is one of the most important and rewarding things I do.