Set Your Summer Mantra!
As the summer holidays approach, it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos – and before you know it they’ll be over! So, here are some tips to make the most of the silly season and keep you feeling relaxed and recharged, rather than overwhelmed. We tend to focus too much on getting a ‘Summer Body’, but Summer Mantras will keep your mind in peak condition through the stressful period. This involves setting intentions for the break, reflecting, and resetting after the big year we’ve all had.
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Begin to unwind and switch off
Summer days are longer, happier, and a little lazier. This laziness can be a great thing! Allow yourself to indulge in during your break. A sense of tranquility, balanced control, and peacefulness can stop your mind from racing, calm you down and help you focus. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, take the time to breathe deeply (we know it sounds clichéd – but it’s proven to work!).
It’s the perfect time to include exercises and activities that can help us feel good about ourselves and a little less self-conscious when the time comes to put on a bathing suit. Focusing on what we consider ‘trouble areas’ can increase our sense of accomplishment and calm feelings of anxiety stemming from not addressing our problems head-on.
2. Keep to a routine
The summer holidays are the perfect 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. Don’t lose all ‘structure’ in your day-to-day. Keep an alarm, exercise routine, daily breakfast, daily steps – anything to keep some consistency.
Over the Christmas holidays, it’s normal to indulge and stay up or sleep in a bit later. However, it’s important not to forget the value of a sleep ritual or ruin your regular sleep routine (it’s a painful process to reset!).
Start by dimming lights and turning off your phone and TV at least an hour before you plan to go to bed. 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, such as lavender or chamomile. Try finding things that relax you before bed and integrate them into your nightly routine.
3. Learn something new
Learning new things keeps our minds engaged and our bodies active.
New hobbies and skills can help you feel good about yourself and make a great workout for your brain. You’ll feel a newfound sense of accomplishment and pride.
If there’s something you’ve always wanted to learn or try for the first time, there’s no better time to give it a go than the holiday break! Set aside some time for yourself every day to work on your new skill and make it a regular part of your daily routine. Practice makes perfect!
