6 ways to truly relax on your summer holiday

The sun’s out, the ocean’s calling and you’ve actually got time to swim. Summer holidays are all about unwinding…if only you could just switch off. Funnily enough, planning activities, travelling or just having the kids home all day sometimes adds a whole new set of chores, deadlines and details to contend with.

To truly rejuvenate, the key is mindfully choosing to spend your time doing just that.

1. Deliberately adjust your mindset

While it may seem practical to get things done over your holiday, it means you remain in a work mindset and never really allow yourself to relax. Forget feeling guilty about doing what you love, or doing nothing at all. That’s what a holiday’s for, after all, as long as you get around to doing the ‘unwinding’ bit.

2. Don’t make too many plans

It’s exciting to make lots of interesting plans for the holidays, but doing so quickly turns into a rush to fit it all in, before it’s time to go back to work. Write a list of what you’d like to do or where you want to go and pick the top two or so. Plan to do those and leave the rest of your time free. There’s nothing more relaxing than waking up knowing you have no plans and can do anything you’re in the mood for – even if it’s sleeping in until noon.

3. Create solo time

Spending time with family and friends can be relaxing, but you’ll never fully unwind unless you invest in solo time. Make a point of doing something each day of your holiday, that nurtures you. Meditate on the beach, read a book for pure enjoyment, go fishing, walk in nature, listen to your favourite music and draw or simply sit outside and enjoy the sun.

4. Try something new

Trying something new, especially when you have the time to really enjoy it, immediately sparks inspiration and rejuvenation. Do you have a hobby you’ve always wanted to learn? A complicated dish you can’t wait to master? An urge to bungee jump or dive with sharks? Whatever it is, doing it will make you feel alive, refreshed and, as a result, totally destressed.

5. Sleep when you want to

Sleeping often takes a back seat to a busy lifestyle, so take the chance to catch up while you’re on holidays. If you feel like a nap in the afternoon, don’t feel guilty, you’re allowed! Even if you wake up at the normal time from habit, luxuriate in bed for a while, doing absolutely nothing.

6. Make relaxation your top priority

Just like you need to make a point of getting things done in a normal work week, you have to prioritise relaxation over anything else, on your holiday. That way you’ll make the most of your time, by fostering inspiration, motivation, wellbeing and complete rejuvenation.