One of the unfortunate side effects of the COVID pandemic is that our homes became our workplaces, and for many hours of work became without boundaries. Use your time away to disconnect from your job, and also some of your social media habit. Write that out of office message and mean it. If you like to check emails determine that you will only do it once a day, not constantly. Allow your workplace to miss you for a change. Taking some time away from devices especially your phone is extremely good for you. It helps create more space for you to be creative again. Look at the time you spend on your time by checking your screen time and your first 3 apps that you use, can you get those numbers down over your holiday. Set yourself a limit and see how you do. Consider reading more on this issue. My personal recommendations include the books, “How to break up with your phone” by Catherine Price, and “Digital madness” by Nicholas Kardaras.

Any digital detox could also include gaming consoles for teens as well as time on social media apps – particularly Instagram and snapchat.

Take time to connect – in the right way.

Often holiday time is family time. When you slow yourselves down from your busy day to day activities, you can build more special memories together. Make sure that you are not racing from one Instagram-able event to another. Really connect with your partner and your children. Ask them about their favourite books, films etc. Take time to get to know your family again.

Rest.

Please make sure that take a break if you need it. Rest. Your body will thank you for you.

Reset

Consider what has been working well in your life and what you could do during your time away to help you improve your health. Some light exercise, more fruits and vegetables might be great choices. Watch your alcohol consumption whilst you are away. The occasional celebration is great, but takes it toll on your body and your mind.

Reflect.

If you can consider journalling over the break. I often tell client that journalling is a free form of therapy. For more information on journaling see some of our articles on this topic.

Troubled by your thoughts? Start a journal.

The power of reflection: Six reasons to start a journal

Build memories.

Try something new, see something new. We are really a collection of our experiences, not the things that we have.

I hope you get to get away this summer. And if you do, invest in your mental health.