It’s common for parents not to see their friends as much, especially when children are very young. But summer provides a chance for reconnecting as there are lots of activities, like picnics and barbeques where parents and children from different families can get together.
If you have time off work in the summer holidays, make sure it’s really time off. Try not to check emails or work ‘phones and really focus on enjoying time with your family.
Arguments are often a part of family life. Take care to diffuse tensions before things get too heated. If children are arguing, ask them to go into separate rooms and take five minutes to calm themselves. You can do this too if you’re getting wound up.
Physical activity can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.
Take just two minutes out of your day to focus on being grateful for all the things you have. Make a list of them in your head or write them down in your journal at the beginning or end of the day.
Look at how you have grown and what you have achieved. Appreciate what you have done and what you have. See how far you have come and what you are planning to do.
Treat everyone with kindness and politeness – not because they are nice, but because you are.
The brain sends the same signal whether you are hungry or thirsty. To understand which signal your brain is sending, you must learn to understand your body better. Pay close attention to the last time you had a meal compared with the last time you had something to drink. It might be that empty feeling in your stomach only needs some water to be sated.
Make the most of what’s special about summer. Go for family walks during those long warm evenings, or arrange a family picnic. Also, look out for free or cheap music events and summer schools arranged by local authorities.