Staying Sane Over The Summer Holidays

Today I have a brilliant post for you written by a lovely blogging friend of mine. Guest posts from my blogging friends used to feature often on these pages, however, life gets in the way for us all and time lacks to blog for ourselves let alone for others. Hopefully, you’ll see a few more of these posts start to return.

Starting back I hand you over to Sophie who is sharing some valuable tips for the summer holidays.

Author Bio:

Sophie is a mother of two boys and two French Bulldogs – living in Cheshire and blogging about all things lifestyle, parenting and weight loss on www.sophobsessed.com. When she’s not writing blog posts, she can be found reading a good book and enjoying a warm cup of tea.

Staying Sane Over The Summer Holidays

The summer holidays are an exciting time of the year, providing a well-deserved break from the usual routine and a chance to create wonderful memories with family and friends. However, amidst all of the excitement, it’s essential to address and acknowledge the challenges that we as parents face. As much as it’s wonderful having some uninterrupted time with our children, keeping them entertained and topped up with snacks, all while trying to avoid spending a small fortune, is not remotely easy. I’ve put together a few tips for staying sane over the summer holidays because, let’s be honest, a frazzled parent is no fun! 

Recognise the Challenges

Before diving into the practical tips for staying sane, it’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges that can arise during the summer holidays and know that you are not alone in feeling these. For parents, having children at home for an extended period can be both hugely rewarding and demanding. Disrupted routines and travel plans can also introduce stress into our lives – especially if you juggle work alongside the summer break. Although not a practical tip as such – being aware of any potential stressors means we can better prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally to stay sane over the summer.

These triggers will be different for everyone based on their personality and circumstances. Just know that you are not superhuman, nor are you expected to be. If the sight of the summer holidays fills you with dread, that’s okay – you won’t be alone. It’s certainly no reflection of you as a parent. The first step to staying sane over the summer holidays is to identify those stress triggers so you can combat them.

Establishing a Good Summer Routine

For the whole of the academic year, your children are in a regimented routine; Their days are structured even if there is some flexibility and deviation. It’s a known fact that humans thrive on routine, so that might explain why things can go a little crazy when the holidays start. One of my top tips to stay sane over the summer is establishing a well-balanced routine. While the holidays, of course, allow for flexibility, a consistent daily schedule can help maintain a sense of order and stability – and help keep your sanity in check. It doesn’t mean you need to be on an army schedule, but a loose plan can make a world of difference. The great thing is your routine can look however you like, which is a huge benefit compared to a school day where we have to conform to the structure implemented. Whether it’s setting aside time for reading, hobbies, or daily exercise, incorporating these activities into your routine will provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment and contribute to you staying sane over the summer.

Practising Self-Care

We, as parents, are terrible for putting ourselves last. Amidst the hustle and bustle of summer, prioritising self-care is essential. Taking care of ourselves physically and emotionally is crucial to staying sane over the holidays. You can’t be the best version of yourself if you don’t look after yourself first. I know this is a difficult concept, but both you and your kids deserve you to be and feel your best. Something as simple as engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, to reduce stress and increase self-awareness. Regular exercise not only boosts mood but also improves overall well-being. Additionally, don’t forget to indulge in your own hobbies and activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Prioritising self-care is a vital part of how to stay sane over the summer.

Family Time = Fun

The summer holidays offer a unique opportunity for increased family time. Instead of letting this time go to waste, use it wisely to strengthen your family bonds. Engage in activities that everyone enjoys, whether it’s going for a picnic, playing games together, or simply spending quality time talking and sharing experiences. There is an unspoken pressure that we must ‘keep up with the Jones’.’ – do what everyone else is doing? That might not suit your kids, your lifestyle or your budget – and that’s okay! If you do nothing all summer but be together, that is more than a summer well spent. Spending increased amounts of time together is sure to create some conflicts, but this is a great time to execute effective communication and make sure everyone is listening to each other.

Staying Social and Connected

Staying connected with others can greatly contribute to your sanity over the summer holidays. It’s very easy to become a recluse and hide indoors if we are feeling overwhelmed. Although spending time together as a family is hugely beneficial, if it creates loneliness for you, then it’s not going to keep you sane! Reach out to friends and family for support and companionship regularly. It doesn’t mean you have to meet up, but having regular conversations is essential for your own mental health. You can also explore local community events or online groups where like-minded individuals come together for shared experiences. 

The summer holidays can feel like a really long time, and with the absence of the social interaction from something as simple as the school run, it can become quite a lonely time. Again, this is a completely relatable feeling, and many parents experience this during the holidays. Acknowledging it and tackling it before it impacts you is the best way to stay sane during the summer holidays.

Drop the Expectations and Enjoy the Moment

Now this might seem like a contradiction after I waxed lyrical about getting into a routine, but while structure is essential, it’s equally crucial to embrace flexibility and enjoy the spontaneity that comes with the summer holidays. If you make a plan and it doesn’t quite work out, being flexible can really help keep up morale and prevent meltdowns. Letting go of perfectionism and allowing yourself to be present in the moment can help reduce stress and anxiety. We are terrible for expecting too much when in reality, our children don’t even notice the little things that go wrong. Drop the high expectations and pressure you take on. If social media is a trigger, then avoid it. By putting ourselves under such strain, we actually end up resenting what should be a blessing of time with our children. If you do one thing this summer, make sure you seek joy and embrace the moment because in years to come, the stress and pressure will be nothing more than a distant memory.

Staying Sane Over The Summer Can Be a Challenge, But You’ve Got This!

Ultimately the summer holidays offer a valuable opportunity to relax, bond with loved ones, and create lasting memories. Don’t let stress and overwhelm ruin your summer of fun. Prioritise your mental well-being and take regular time for yourself. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourself. The summer doesn’t need to be spent doing constant activities or spending endless pots of money. Just being together and having fun is enough. Remember, you are your own worst critic, so stop giving yourself such a hard time.