Surviving the Summer holidays with RESCUE ** WIN **
As a Mum of four, and especially as a Mum who works from home, I’m not afraid to admit that I find the Summer holidays difficult. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy having the children at home, because I do, very much so, but I don’t find it easy. Living anxiety is hard, especially as a parent, and although I have worked hard with therapy and sheer determination to not let anxiety take over my life, I do find that the Summer holidays trigger my anxiety in a number of ways.
I’ve been working with RESCUE to share the ways in which I survive the Summer holidays and honestly, having used RESCUE since my early teens, I would be completely and utterly lost without it.
Juggling work and family life
The main issue for me being self employed and working from home is that during the school holidays, although I am very much at home with the children, work doesn’t stop for those six weeks. Throughout the holidays I am all for spending time with my children, and I’m sure you will see that we fill our days with activities and adventures, which is lovely for them but creates a lot of stress for me. For every afternoon at the park, I return home to twenty emails and a new set of deadlines. For every holiday spent in the sun, I find myself having to work until 3 in the morning to make up for it the following week. And I know I am so lucky to be able to do this job, and I don’t moan about that even for one second, but does it cause me a lot of stress? Absolutely! Is it worth it? Always.
So how do I juggle being self employed with family life over the holidays? Well other than chewing on RESCUE pastilles like theres’s no tomorrow, I make sure that in the weeks leading up to the Summer holidays I work even harder to allow for a slower month with the children. I’m more sensible with our savings throughout the Spring so I always know there is something to fall back on should I have the luxury of working less in the Summer.
I alert my clients that my hours will change over the Summer holidays, that, although I will respond to all emails, there may be a longer delay than usual, and I find that being upfront about it works really well. It means that I don’t have clients chasing me for work, and I can enjoy time with the children without watching the clock or checking my phone every two minutes.
Of course, there are times when I have to work – when I have a deadline and it just can’t budge, when I have a big campaign that I need to focus on and 11pm at night just won’t cut it – and in those times I open up the back doors, I get the bikes and the scooters and the garden toys out, and I allow the children to simply entertain themselves. I feel no guilt in sticking on a Disney movie on those days, or bribing them with a Kinder egg whilst I make a quick phone call. I feel no guilt in closing the door to my office and knuckling down for an hour or two because ultimately, I spend a great deal of time with my children and I am doing the best I can to provide a wonderful life for them.
Staying calm during travel plans
Everybody knows, I hate flying. I make no secret of that (apart from to my children!) and it’s always been a real problem from me, right from the first time I flew as a teen. For me, this is a serious issue and it doesn’t just impact on the day of our flight, but for weeks, even months before that day comes around. I find I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, I can’t think about anything else at all other than the possibility that our plane might crash and, as crazy as it seems when I write it down, I just cannot change that mindset.
Combined with my fear of the flight, I make myself sick with worry over the stress of airport parking and hotel transfers, worrying about a thousand ridiculous scenarios that may, or may not, ever happen. I worry about the children getting sick abroad, wondering how we would cope with the language barrier or accessing the right medicine. I worry about the possibility of them being taken, overwhelmed with panic at my blonde hair blue eyed children and how you just never know who could be lurking around the resort. And I worry about the fact I’m worrying, that I have made myself ill, tired, stressed out before we’ve even got there and all I really want is to go away and enjoy our time together.
So how do I stay calm? Well over the last twelve months I’ve made sure that each night I take my RESCUE NIGHT remedy, a natural combination of flower essences said to encourage a natural nights sleep. Although my insomnia has a mind of its own, RESCUE NIGHT helps me to stay calm, get some good quality sleep, and wake feeling far less panicky.
During our flight I take my RESCUE REMEDY spray with me, and as a 10ml spray it passes easily through security. Just knowing I have it there for when I start to panic or need that little bit of calming is a huge reassurance. I also practice breathing techniques, something which has really helped me, as well as forcing myself to focus on the end goal which is ultimately me, laid on that sun lounger, sipping on a cocktail, living my best life!
Keeping up with the kids
With four active children, the summer holidays really takes its toll on my energy levels. I live with fibromyalgia, as well as various other auto immune conditions, and this means that I tire far easier than the average person, as well as having a lower immune system for all of those nasty Summer bugs and colds. There is only one thing worse than being sick as a parent, and that’s being sick in the Summer holidays. I have no idea how I would survive entertaining four children day in, day out, feeling unwell. So staying fit and healthy is paramount.
So how do I do this? The new RESCUE PLUS VITAMIN lozenges contain selected vitamins to support mental performances and normal psychological function, and they also taste delicious! I am guilty of eating a relatively poor diet and so any extra vitamins I can get is a real bonus!
RESCUE PLUS VITAMINS also comes in a natural lemon and elderflower spray which is really handy to slip inside your handbag to use on the go. I love these new additions to the range and, although I am just starting them this Summer, I am hoping I see a real difference in my overall functioning during the six weeks holidays! After all, there is no greater way to put them to the test than with four (slightly annoying!) children!
So that’s how I survive the six weeks holidays, along with soaking up the sunshine, taking regular exercise, trying to be super organised, and eating my body weight in ice cream. At the end of the day, when my children look back on their childhood summers I don’t want them to remember the days when Mummy was stressed or anxious, I just want them to remember the fun we had.
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** This is a sponsored post with RESCUE. All words and opinions are my own **
A glass or two of wine in the evenings to de-stress!
I make sure there i alway some “me time” every day whether that’s watching something I like on TV or reading a book.
Soaking in a hot bath destresses me nicely!
Plenty of shade,sunscreenn and 30 minutes me time
having cool showers
Plenty of me-time usually does the trick.
I make sure I plan things everyday with the kids, and make sure its outdoors as often as possible to keep me sane!! Xx
Planning-don,t let ‘I,m bored’ get air time!🙂
Steady supply of ice pops in the freezer, plenty of cold drinks and suncream
plenty of park trips to wear them out lol x
I make time to do something I want to everyday
Share the load with friends too
With lots of activities lined up
Cool bath and glass of red wine.x
I have a 15 and a 13 year old and a 7 month old and I only work term time only so am fortunate to be off with them all. The older kids pretty much arrange their own social life now but this will be the first summer holidays with the baby so I’m planning on doing stuff that will keep them all entertained. Praying for sunny weather!
Plenty of gardening and stay hydrated
Pre-planning and having fun ideas
gin… and snuggles from my hounds!!!
Enjoying ever minute, we have looked forward to the summer holidays for so long.
Love summer so happy when the summer holidays arrive especially when the weather is good, stay outdoors as much as possible and get all that vitamin D x
A nice walk in the evening sun to unwind each day
a long walk every day
We live in a seaside town so we survive by stop taking the car as the traffic increase is huge
wine and hot bubbly baths
wine, wine, and more wine! 🤣🤣
By doing plenty of art. Relaxing for everyone.
Lots of chilled white wine, loads of ice lollies and ice in the freezer!
By planning lots of activities to keep us busy
We bought a trampoline and a swing, as we have young children they keep occupied during the days we dont go on picnics or days out
In the summer I tend to hide away 😂 also wine is very helpful!
Ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream….for me, emotional crutch 😉
Then we spend a lot of time outdoors, I try to relax about having some ‘lazy’ days- kids don’t need to have activities lined up for them every second of every day. And a few family trips dotted about breaks up the weeks where I’m mostly at home while my partner works 🙂
Try and plan something each day with the kids, and make a bit time later for me
I try to keep the kids as busy as possible but now they are getting older its getting harder to do this.
Hope for lots of sunshine!
Hope for lots of sunshine!
Having some time to myself to sit and read a good book, which helps me relax.
We’ve always done a mixture of various holiday clubs, and annual leave over the summer
Lots of distractions
By enjoying the Summer weather, and enjoying the weather relaxing out in the conservatory.
Keeping the kids busy and entertained, so I don’t hear them say I’m bored!
Organising activities in advance x
Wear loose , comfy clothing, plenty of sun cream and ice creams, and try and keep cool. Lovely products, thanks x
We always book a little holiday for the end of august for something to look forward to, and keep my head up when things can be too much lol!
We have a well planned holiday towards the end of the holidays to bribe, sorry encourage the kids to behave haha. Always carry a facial spritzer with us for when any of us get hot and bothered
It goes a little something like this, the evening to myself, the house is fairly clean, clean bedding, a pamper shower (a shower where I shave myself and exfoliate!), moisturize, clean PJ’s, a takeaway, diet cola, movie of my choice! WOW !
Try not to let social media get to me… It is so easy to look at posts at think everyone is having a better time than you.
With the help of family!
A hot bath with candles and a book
I survive by plenty of days out and keeping the children occupied so they do not argue
For me it has to be keeping the children busy each day by going to places like the parks,museums or even a trip to the cinema.
I plan lots of days out & visit friends and family, I drink lots of wine too lol 🙂
keeping in the shade and lots of cool drinks!
Ummmm lots of gin! 😉
we aim for lots of days out with fun activities, especially the physical kind, to help tire the kids out
I always have a LOT of toys out at the ready and I plan lots of activities to do
Plenty of fresh air and not planning too much – see what happens
I love the summer holidays – my son is ready for a rest from school . We go on holiday for a week and then fill the rest with trips out to the park , swimming , the cinema and seeing friends
Spend time with friends to destress
nice relaxing break away
The way to enjoy the Summer Holidays is to be glad you are alive no matter your problems. Every day I smile on waking up you tend to do that at age 74.l
when it gets to hot i stay in to advoid
day trips and visits, plenty of outdoor fun, garden, walks, beach plus crafting if the weather isnt suitable to be outdoors
getting out in nature as much as possible
work
Lots of relaxing sits in the garden with a good book
I don’t survive but regenerate with the replenishing qualities of sangria on the beach.
Lazy days in the park, armed with a picnic and ball
Having a nice walk with the dogs
A mixture of busy days out and days at the local park or lazy days.
My boys love to plan, so they list all the things they’d love to do over the holidays. Then we draw out a calendar for the 6 weeks and fit everything in! It always includes playing at home days with trips out interspersed so there’s a good mix. Trips out are usually parks, cycling, hill-climbing, stream paddling, blackberry-picking, playing with friends etc.
I don’t have children so my summer holidays are spent going on long walks at the weekend and seeing family.
Once all the chores are done I love sitting in my garden on a warm evening with a glass of wine
I usually work as my kids are grown up now, I take a hol later in the year
My children are all grown up but I try to take the pressure off them by taking my grandchildren from time to time for lovely days out.
I take anti allergy remedies and nasal sprays.
Days out to parks and picnics also lots of ice lollies stocked up
I love the summer holidays, it’s a great break from routine. We just have a good mix of restful and more energetic activities
I have to wear a hat or I get a headache from start to finish
I plan well ahead and keep everyone busy with many missions!
Lots of suncream & planned days out such as picnics
I don’t know yet ;D Hopefully spending a lot of time outside 🙂
Go Beach and watch a lot of Movies and TV to get through the summer.
A mixture of routine as well as days out and not having to get up so early to prepare for school!
Go for walks along some of the lesser walked national paths, climb a hill. Go swimming and hula hoop to keep my sanity.
I don’t find it difficult to survive them!! We all get on well and enjoy spending time together!!
Relaxing in our garden in the glorious sun after fun days out with family
By making plans in advance! Lots of day trips, swimming, seeing friends, picnics etc
Deep breathing helps, (4,7 , 8 technique)
Lots of fun activities
Have plenty of things planned to take into account every weather eventuality! But then not be too rigid with plans and go with the flow
I have a babysitter!
We try to go outside every single day on an adventure. The weather would have to be really bad to stop us. We explore the forests, play games at the sea shore, visit free entry museums. So many things to do in our area. We take a picnic too, to save on cost.
I like to do as much as possible for the least money possible!!
Aim to wear cool cotton clothing, as more practical and comfortable for all the family. Aim to ensure sufficient fluids for all, in order to avoid dehydration. A variety of fluids (though mainly water), ice cream and ice lollies. So shopping, and stocking up is done in preparation if / when possible. Sunscreen products. Sunglasses, sunhats, etc. In sect Repellant, and aim to get access to the most effective and convenient, as well as cost effective / value for money.
Now having to deal with sensitive skin, as well as hay fever. So added pressures / commitments / workload. Used to some ” Be Prepared” :- Forward Planning. But find ‘ you have to go with the flow’. Can’t always plan for everything, can be caught out by unexpected circumstances, etc. So really often the ‘flow takes us”, and it’s best to just try and take it all in your stride, if possible. Life is a Journey of mixed adventures. These products look great for the added little extras that may often go by the wayside when we are particularly busy / distracted, etc.
Mainly I survive the summer holidays via wine and BBQ 🙂
Take every day as it comes.
the first half of the holiday is ok, but when the kids get bored, run out of things to do/money it can be stressful! hopefully the weather will be good to get out x
By only ever having 2 cups of coffee a day, taken in the morning.
I’ve been looking forward to this summer holiday for ages as I’m home with our youngest who is 6 months so I’ve arranged lots of day trips and playdates with friends. I think I’m more excited than they are! Having plans means I know they won’t be bored and that minimises my stress!
I just go with the flow
I look forward to our annual Summer family holiday.
Always have a good book and a bottle of fizz ready for when the sun comes out and grab an hour to catch a few rays
Getting out in the fresh air every day.and not too many late nights.
Just rest where possible, spend time outdoors as much as we can and keep hydrated.
Luckily have inlaws who live very close by and can have my little girl for a bit while I have some me time.
Lots of activities planned and finding the time to do the things I personally enjoy.
having cold showers
With luck and infinite patience! Also some sunscreen
Tiled kitchen floor to cool my feet down
Lots of cool showers and fan by the bed xxx
love school holidays get to see more of my grandchildren
I have to work most of it so I survive by palming by kids off on family members and their dad!
Patience, ignoring the chaos and gin!
Playing with the dog keeps me sane
Going for long runs and a big glass of PROSECCO help me survive the stresses of the Summer holidays. Thanks for the chance xxx
Usually try to plan with family and friends to make sure things are planned or things to do but as always things never go to plan, so its normally by the seat of my pants
A lot of planning and preparation in the months beforehand
I survive the holidays by going to work 😉 it means I can spend my days of spending quality time with the kids and we get a break from each other
Gin & Tonic lots of ice and a slice !!
Wine! Haha I buy myself a selection of books to read when I get 5 minutes, it eases my anxiety to be in another world for a while x
I read to keep myself busy, comping, try to learn new things like crafts and general knowledge.
lots of negotiation, plenty of me time and plenty of activities everyone enjoys
Gin and tonic, fan, ice cream, sea air!
Lots of days out and visits to parks x