The Summer months are a busy time for holidays, especially for
those people with children. Some people are fortunate enough to be able
to go away for the whole of the Summer period. Those with children may
find it convenient to decamp to a holiday resort where there are plenty
of other children and activities arranged to keep them amused.
Other people may prefer to enjoy the Summer months, longer daylight hours and better weather by taking time off work to go for day trips to the countryside, beach or to go out sight-seeing.
Let's look at some ways you can plan to enjoy the holidays:
Plan ahead. Share dates with people in the same position as yourself, making arrangements in plenty of time so that everyone's available to hook up. That way both children and adults can have fun and good times enjoying each other's company.
By organising things in a group you can share the driving, expense of petrol and the hassle of catering, as well as the responsibility of amusing and supervising children as they play. Alternatively, as a parent, it may be worth volunteering to look after several children at once for a play date; that way you'll get plenty of reciprocal free time.
Use what's free. Parks, museums, beaches don't charge for admittance. Also look out for the many venues that provide special offers at holidays for entrance fees or meal deals. Organising a treasure hunt, nature watch, craft activities, ball games can occupy many a happy afternoon for minimal or no expense.
Have a plan B. Yes, arrange a barbecue or a picnic, but what if bad weather ruins those plans? Children love an indoor picnic; a tablecloth on the lounge floor can seem quite exciting to them. Adults are often surprised at how much fun they can have playing board games or charades. And these unexpected, impromptu occasions are often remembered months later with affection.
Do things as a family. Make the effort to plan time for outings with your partner and/or children. A bike ride, day at the beach, walk in the park or time spent planning a mini-project in the garden are inexpensive ways of enjoying each others company. It's good to take time to de-stress and spend time together sharing happy moments and building stronger relationships.
Holiday times spent on one's own can be enjoyable, especially if planned well. If you're dreading spending Summer by yourself try to plan some lovely treats and activities, so turning a potentially difficult time into something relaxing and pleasant. Plan your viewing, schedule your favourite meals, freshen up your home with clean sheets and vases of flowers. Organize things that make you feel good. Be proactive and occasionally invite friends or neighbours round for a coffee or light lunch. Join a walking group or social club where you have the opportunity to mix with people who have similar interests to yourself.
Don't forget to leave some time free for being spontaneous. Not every moment has to be choreographed. Enjoy time spent pottering in the garden, reading, watching a film or simply relaxing and doing nothing. And then if an unexpected opportunity arises or you suddenly feel the urge to get up and go somewhere, call on someone or visit a place you're in a position where you're able to do so.
Other people may prefer to enjoy the Summer months, longer daylight hours and better weather by taking time off work to go for day trips to the countryside, beach or to go out sight-seeing.
Let's look at some ways you can plan to enjoy the holidays:
Plan ahead. Share dates with people in the same position as yourself, making arrangements in plenty of time so that everyone's available to hook up. That way both children and adults can have fun and good times enjoying each other's company.
By organising things in a group you can share the driving, expense of petrol and the hassle of catering, as well as the responsibility of amusing and supervising children as they play. Alternatively, as a parent, it may be worth volunteering to look after several children at once for a play date; that way you'll get plenty of reciprocal free time.
Use what's free. Parks, museums, beaches don't charge for admittance. Also look out for the many venues that provide special offers at holidays for entrance fees or meal deals. Organising a treasure hunt, nature watch, craft activities, ball games can occupy many a happy afternoon for minimal or no expense.
Have a plan B. Yes, arrange a barbecue or a picnic, but what if bad weather ruins those plans? Children love an indoor picnic; a tablecloth on the lounge floor can seem quite exciting to them. Adults are often surprised at how much fun they can have playing board games or charades. And these unexpected, impromptu occasions are often remembered months later with affection.
Do things as a family. Make the effort to plan time for outings with your partner and/or children. A bike ride, day at the beach, walk in the park or time spent planning a mini-project in the garden are inexpensive ways of enjoying each others company. It's good to take time to de-stress and spend time together sharing happy moments and building stronger relationships.
Holiday times spent on one's own can be enjoyable, especially if planned well. If you're dreading spending Summer by yourself try to plan some lovely treats and activities, so turning a potentially difficult time into something relaxing and pleasant. Plan your viewing, schedule your favourite meals, freshen up your home with clean sheets and vases of flowers. Organize things that make you feel good. Be proactive and occasionally invite friends or neighbours round for a coffee or light lunch. Join a walking group or social club where you have the opportunity to mix with people who have similar interests to yourself.
Don't forget to leave some time free for being spontaneous. Not every moment has to be choreographed. Enjoy time spent pottering in the garden, reading, watching a film or simply relaxing and doing nothing. And then if an unexpected opportunity arises or you suddenly feel the urge to get up and go somewhere, call on someone or visit a place you're in a position where you're able to do so.
Susan Leigh is a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist who works with
stressed individuals to promote confidence and self belief, with couples
experiencing relationship difficulties to improve communications and
understanding and with business clients to support the health and
motivation levels of individuals and teams.
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