Simply Happy
Summer holidays are a time to enjoy the break from the regular school routine with your family. We all need some downtime, especially after the Christmas rush and the manic end to the school year! While holidays can be fantastic, they’re not always as easy as they may sound.
Let’s be honest, holidays can be hard when your kids need structure and routine like school. Routines can be extremely useful for children with Autism, ADD, ADHD and other developmental delays. These children thrive with structure and predictability.
Even as a teacher with heaps of activity ideas for my kids, I know there’s only so much activity co-ordinating any mum can take before she reaches her breaking point. On top of this, holidays can bring out extra sibling fights and strained relationships from spending too much time together. Take it from me, adding a bit of system and structure to holiday activities can really reduce your stress.
I’ve got a few holiday routines to help you stay sane these summer holidays…
Self Care
You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t help your family get through a hectic morning if you’re out of balance yourself. Before you wake up the children, take a few minutes to centre and care for your inner well-being. This 15-minute morning routine will help you stay sane and ready to tackle the day head-on.
- Before you pour a cup of coffee, hydrate yourself with filtered After eight hours asleep, your body needs fresh water to get its functions going.
- Spend five minutes If you have a hard time focusing, try a meditation app for your phone or check out five minute meditation videos on YouTube.
- Limber up with a 10-minute low-impact workout that gets your blood Even a gentle workout can help release feel-good endorphins and neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin so you start the day on a positive note.
Reduce the Clutter
Holidays are a good time to start decluttering. You have more time and kids can help declutter their toys.
Trying to remain calm won’t be possible if your home is a mess. A clutter-free home runs smoothly because every member knows where to find the things they need each day. If you’re wanting tips to reduce clutter and simplify things this summer then consider setting up a lost property box, designated ‘drop zone’ and an essentials ‘go-to drawer’. Just think of all the things that could go into those zones instead of on the floor or in the wrong place!
Maintain a Night Ritual
Over the Christmas holidays, it’s normal to indulge and stay up a bit later. Even if you’re going to bed later, it’s important not to forget the value of a sleep ritual.
- Start by dimming lights and turning off your phone and TV at least an hour before you plan to go to Electronics such as computers and televisions emit a blue light that tricks the body into thinking it’s still daytime, inhibiting the release of melatonin and making it harder to sleep.
- Take a relaxing bath using bath products with essential oils that encourage sleep like lavender and chamomile. Try making your own simple bath salts using an Inspired Little Pot recipe this holidays!
Create a Morning Routine
You can’t remain calm when your cup is empty. The morning is a great time to do one thing for yourself and start the day with your cup full. Don’t forget yourself — if you’re stressed out, your family will pick up on that energy. Here are some great ways to create your morning ritual:
- Enjoy your favourite cup of tea or coffee by yourself After eight hours asleep, your body needs fresh water to function properly. Connecting with nature helps to ground you so that you can deal with situations calmly throughout the day.
- Spending five minutes writing down 3 things you’re grateful Being grateful helps to deepen your connection with those around you so that you can enjoy time with your family.
- Go for a walk or do some gentle When you move your body you get your blood moving and your body releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin that make you feel good so that you start the day on a positive note.
Life doesn’t stop over the holidays. You’re probably juggling work, finding care for your kids and keeping them entertained as well.
