Ideally your Easter break will be a relaxing/exciting, recharging time for you, mentally, emotionally and physically. Here are some top tips to help you keep calm and avoid it becoming a stressful over-indulgence that leaves you feeling exhausted and guilty.
- Give everyone, including yourself, space to unwind into holiday mode. Expecting instant ‘happy families’ and ‘wedded bliss’ is unrealistic. Avoid over-planning and filling every moment, give space to relax, and for unexpected adventures. Leave ‘those talks’ until towards the end.
- Remember everyone feels loved and connected in different ways – some need to talk, some to hug, some to do acts of service, some to receive gifts etc. Understanding & communicating your needs, as well as your partner, family, friends makes it easier to maintain a happy atmosphere. (Ask for another free copy of my ‘Win-Win Loving’ if you’ve forgotten how to work it out.) Likewise, introverts need to recharge alone, extroverts need others around them.
- Holidays means relaxing into a different routine. Consider how important, in the big picture, a tidy bedroom, things exactly your way etc really are while on holidays. Allow others to look after themselves more so you get to relax too. That means things won’t get done the exact way or as well as you might do them, but really, that’s OK.
- The calmer, well-rested and well-hydrated you are before driving, the safer everyone is. Take regular stops, pack or get the kids to pack their own entertainment packs, including snacks. Looking out the window instead of at a screen stimulates creativity, imagination and self-sufficiency.
- Play, explore, do something different. Join in the fun, rather than just watch or supervise. Be silly – dress up, start a water fight. Lie on the grass or sand and watch clouds. Give your brain space to chill.
- Say no from love. No to excessive chocolate (yes, it is possible), food and alcohol. No to poor behaviour. No to rudeness. Say yes from love – lots of cuddles, fun and adventures.
- Be kind to yourself in thought, word and actions. Show your love and respect to others too.
- Water your plants before you go away, or arrange for someone to do so. Coming home to dead plants is depressing, ditto to liquid vegetables and sour milk in the fridge.
- Manage your thoughts and mentally reschedule any work-related issues for after you return to work. This frees you to enjoy your holiday by actually being there, as opposed to imagining yourself elsewhere, like back at work. What a waste!
- Be grateful for all you have, all you are. You are not perfect, because no one is. However you are enough. You are worthy of love and happiness.
Whatever you do, wherever you are, be there, enjoy and stay safe. Happy Easter!
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