Parents, you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Or just as likely, we’ve got questions and you’ve got answers.

Challenge: Reducing Holiday Stress

10 Steps to a Less Stressful Holiday

0
Vote up!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email this article

2867c7c86dcfd0aa46344c6c8a08d05859ab0640.jpg

All year long thinking about summer holidays: beach, mountain, beach bar, siesta ... However, it is more common than it seems, these days of relaxation are lived in a completely different way than we had imagined. Why does this happen? What can we do to take advantage of this time of rest and make the most of it and get the most benefits?

«The holidays are a key moment to get benefits to our body and mind. All of us need a few days of rest to recover our physical and emotional wellbeing and free ourselves from the accumulated stress . We must know how to do it , otherwise, these days so desired would go against us, hurting us. The important thing is not the duration of free time, but the quality of those holidays, "they point out.


1. That the money does not ruin your pocket or your mind on holidays: If we anticipate the expenses and do a real planning, it will help us a lot so that the money does not become a problem during our vacations. We can not live beyond our possibilities because what will give us momentary pleasure, a posteriori, can become a problem, as we can not cope with the expenses incurred. A good tip is to save a minimum percentage of 10% per month throughout the year, for summer vacations.

Having planned an approximate budget of expenses, will give us a real vision of the situation and will help a lot so that it does not get out of hand. For more than 80% of Spaniards, money is the main factor in deciding where to go on vacation.

2. Do not schedule the day: Economic planning is key in vacations, but not the strict leisure planning. This can generate anxiety and anguish and thus we will achieve the opposite effect, "says José Miguel Gil , president of this association.

3. Short breaks are also very profitable: Sometimes the longer the period we spend on vacation the more complicated the return and its adaptation, although this influences the ability of each person to adapt to the changes.

4. No to self-demand: Vacation time should not become a free moment where all our desired plans must be fulfilled. There is no trying to do more things than normal and that it ends up becoming another source of stress. The holidays should serve to rest and disconnect. It is key to change the obligation of "I have to" to the desire of "I would like to do".

5. Be positive and open minded: It is necessary to avoid frustration and make the most of this summer season.

6. Learn to talk as a family and as a couple: According to several studies, the summer and the last quarter of the year is the period where there are more divorces and separations. The vacations are moments where the free time is greater and more time is spent in family or with the couple, and, for that reason, friction can increase. A big mistake is to impose (plans, ideas, schedules, etc.), so it is advisable to have patience and try to discuss things. We must be open to converse in the right way. The holidays are a perfect time to improve the way we talk with our partner and family.

7. Acceptance: It is basic to be able to assume that this time there are also moments where not everything is to our liking (undesirable weather conditions, change of plans, companies not of our liking, unexpected diseases, different moods, etc.) . To avoid frustration we have to accept that we can enjoy holidays and leisure time without the obligation to be happy. "It is very important to enjoy the reality time (where there are good times and not so good),"

8. Connect to the senses: But not to social networks, but just the opposite. Connect to the senses and to yourself. Smell the plants, breathe pure air, visualize the waves of the sea, taste a good dish ... and try to disconnect from the technologies, the obligations of work and being connected to it, since nobody is essential. Enjoy every moment and connect with your senses, otherwise, the goal of this free time will not make sense.

9. Eat well: Not as a requirement, but as a good routine, try to give your body healthy food. You will see it reflected in your mood every day on vacation.

10. Exercise your mind through your body : try to practice any exercise, even small, as it will enhance our vitality and positivity. In addition, this practice will improve our state to adapt to the return in September, providing us with more energy.

This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.