After months of waiting, summer is here—a time to relax, kick back and enjoy a retreat from the working world. But sometimes organizing time away can leave you feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation. Many people find the tasks associated with making summer plans such as calendar juggling, tying up loose ends at work or making plans for the kids, more stressful than relaxing. So for those in the midst of planning time away, here are a few tips that may help reduce stress and ease you into the summer season.
JUST FOR YOU:
Don't over schedule yourself. You may want to see and do everything, but you'll wind up returning from vacation exhausted.
Decide on, and then stick to a budget. Remind yourself that impulse buys and unnecessary splurges reverse the relaxing effects of your vacation if you're forced to face credit card bills at the end of the month.
Plan ahead at work. Finish work-related projects and follow-up on any pending phone calls that may happen while you’re away. Leaving with a clean slate will help you stay focused on your vacation assignment: to rest and recharge.
Leave your work, at work. Leave computers, palm pilots and any other reminders of work at work. Leave a number where you can be reached for emergencies only.
Be realistic. Accept that parts of your time off will work out better than expected, while others are bound to fizzle. Take a deep breath, and take it all in stride.
Remember to relax! It's important to schedule inactivity. Set aside a few hours a day to stop and smell the roses, read the paper or put your feet up.
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
Let kids choose. Allow kids to create a short list of activities and the chance to realize at least one. Whether it’s a restaurant choice for a special occasion or a location for a family outing, children savour the chance to have their say and feel a part of the decision-making.
Post a summer schedule. Mark upcoming activities on an oversized calendar and post it in an open area. Refer to it often and have kids check off each activity as it happens. This will help set expectations and prepare children for the transition from one activity to the next.
Put a little structure into summer. A daily routine gives most kids a sense of security. Keep family meals, bedtime and daily outings at a consistent time. The ‘familiar feel’ to each day will help kids adjust to summer schedules and reduce anxieties.
Nourish interests. Investigate children’s summer courses and programs. Most libraries, community centres, local parks, etc. offer summer activities that fight boredom and encourage kids to explore new interests.
Need more information on parenting? Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help with a child to elder care resource and referral service that is geared toward enhancing the quality of family life. Call your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to see if you are eligible for the child to elder care resource and referral service at 1 866.468.9461 or 1.800.387.4765.
© 2005 WarrenShepell