Often people can find it hard to switch off fully when they go on holidays. Whether it’s work commitments, family duties, or their minds are just elsewhere – transitioning from a busy day-to-day life to sudden holiday mode can take time to adjust.
Senior psychotherapist and founder of Swift Psychology, Dr. Michael Swift who works with people who experience anxiety and stress, says that we have ‘forgotten what a holiday is meant to be’.
“We often consider that a holiday is a time when you mentally, emotionally and physically rest. However, when people tend to go on holidays now, that isn’t the case and it is often spent trying to cram lots of things in,” he explains.
“The other challenge for a lot of people is being able to switch from work or parental mode, into holiday mode,” Swift says. “I often speak with my clients and I explain it’s like driving a car 100 miles per hour and then very harshly slamming on the brakes. The body and brain doesn’t have a lot of time to make that switch. Therefore, it’s important we try to make that transition a little easier.”
Swift and and BetterHelp therapist Joanne Saulter share tips on how to properly unwind and destress during those well-needed holiday breaks.
Physically slow yourself down
Swift explains that when you’re quite stressed, ‘the brain activates the sympathetic nervous system,’ also known as being in fight or flight. “This may make your heart beat a little faster and your breathing a little more shallow,” he says.
“Therefore, one of the things I always recommend people do is to actually physically slow themselves down. Whether that’s getting on holiday and taking a slower walk, or eating your food a little bit more intentionally – by actually physically slowing your body and brain down, it can make that transition easier.”
He explains this also is important in terms of work and setting a middle ground to only check emails or works calls at specific times, if needed. “You want to ideally get rid of as much work and technology as possible as that can also help you properly slow down.”
Don’t put pressure on yourself
“A lot of people feel they have to go away and do 10 things in a day to feel like they’ve really optimised their holiday,”…
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