Life

Stress Awareness Month: 4 tips to help you switch off on your holidays

The trick in enjoying a holiday is knowing how to relax from the moment you land
The trick in enjoying a holiday is knowing how to relax from the moment you land The trick in enjoying a holiday is knowing how to relax from the moment you land

TRY THINGS YOU WOULDN'T DO AT HOME

"To ensure a quick transition to relaxing holiday mode, do something you wouldn't normally do at home," says life coach Sloan Sheridan-Williams.

"Play a random song and dance like no one's watching, drop in on a local karaoke bar and sing without holding back or go to the hotel bar and order a drink you've never tried before. The idea is to leave your ego back home and live your life in the moment."

WRITE A 'TO FEEL' LIST

"Write yourself a short list of how you would like to feel on holiday, rather than what you would like to do. Feelings might include relaxed, content, happy, being good company, being adventurous. Or write yourself a few positive affirmations and keep them in a place where you'll come across them often - 'Today I will just have fun' or 'Today I will not answer the phone if it's work'," says therapist Lorna Cordwell.

SET SOCIAL MEDIA BOUNDARIES

"Trying to live up to the expectations of the perfect selfie and Photoshopped celebrities on Instagram and other social media channels creates unrealistic pressures," says Sheridan-Williams. "Only post the pictures that make you happy or add meaning to your holiday and forget about the number of likes and shares."

LIE IN THE 'ACTIVE REST' POSITION

Alexander Technique practitioner Ilia Daoussi suggests lying down in the 'semi-supine' position, also known as 'active rest', for 10 minutes at least once a day. Lie on the floor with a couple of books (or similar) under your head, and bend your knees with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder width apart. "Think of the whole of your back, starting at your tailbone and gradually work all the way up to the top of your spine, with the idea of a gentle unfurling, together with a widening of your torso," says Daoussi. "The impact this has is immediately palpable; and it's healthier, quicker and more effective than a glass of wine."