Destress to make the most of summer holidays

Summer comes and families reconnect during holidays, vacations and celebrations. But, many southern Albertans can’t seem to relax. They are stuck in work mode and can’t wind down to take advantage of much-needed days off. People need to destress and make the most of the summer and/or their annual time off for good behaviour. Planning for celebrations, vacations and holidays can be more stressful than actually working, so in the words of The Eagles, “Take It Easy.”

Parents need to take time for self-care, especially when kids are home for their summer holidays. Kids too, need to take time to unwind, as they embark on new adventures and begin camps or other summer activities, that may cause some stress. Many times, adults have trouble living the good life relaxing by feeling guilty something at home needs to be done or thinking their time might be better spent on a more productive activity. Nonsense. It is OK to be non-productive during a summer vacation or just chilling in the back yard.

Another aspect of trying to be in vacation-mode is to get away from work or other responsibilities by putting your technology to rest. Perhaps set a time to check in and see what is happening online once during the day or night, but for the most part — to destress is to disconnect. Social media and other tech can make relaxing difficult, so take a trip back to the dark ages before Facebook, Instagram and Twitter took over our lives. It is not simple, but with baby steps, one can be less reliant on tech.

Don’t sweat the small stuff and allow yourself to enjoy rest and relaxation. Cut yourself and your kids some slack. Be in the moment and take time to sip and savour what life has to offer when on vacation or when attending a local activity. Do whatever it is that you enjoy, but allow yourself to really be in the moment when doing it. Life is too short to be constantly questioning your actions.

This summer — remember to breathe, smile, laugh, be you, love yourself and others, be a kid again, be in the moment and take the time to destress before your adventure begins.

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