It's still summer, the kids are out of school for a little while longer or have just started their first few weeks of school, and here in Texas, the heat is ….well, HOT. My question for you is, have you gone on vacation yet?? It’s not too late! If so, how was it? If not, what on earth are you waiting for??
I know sometimes coordinating a vacation with time and money can be a challenge, but you gotta find a way to get away from it all. Even just a few days of stepping away from the norm can be the perfect moment to recharge for you and your family's needs.
A vacation is a form of self-care that is good for your mental health. Let's be real; life is not always a walk in the park, and family life is not always what it is cracked up to be. We are out here juggling work, kids, partners, spouses, and relationships. The list goes on and on. We have to give our brains and bodies a break from the norm.
Here are a few signs that you need a vacation –
Loss of sleep – the tossing and turning will start to take a toll on you for sure
Your personal life is suffering
Abnormal mistakes at work – distractions can have you all over the place mentally
You're no longer enthusiastic about, well …anything
You start to feel totally depleted
Irritability – everything makes you cranky
Vacation doesn't always mean a grand two weeks out of the country. It can be simpler than that. Just change your scenery, unplug and take in some rest and peace. That's all you need! Believe it, or not the kids probably need it too! Some quality time away is probably exactly what your home needs to find balance again.
Wanna know what's even more important than a family vacation – GROWN UP TIME! I cannot express enough to parents how you must take time for yourself. Doing so does not make you a bad parent or a selfish one. It's just the opposite. Your kids deserve and want to see happy parents. You, as a parent, deserve that for yourself.
Did any of you send the kids away to grandma's house for the summer? If you did, how did you spend that time? I know it's easy to get stuck on catching up on housework or work BUT please make sure you pause and do something for you!
You're still a person behind all your parental duties, and it's important that you don't lose sight of yourself.
If you don't have the opportunity to pack the kids up and send them on their way for a while, arrange a sitter a few times for the rest of the summer. Put on your favorite outfit and do something YOU love to do, either by yourself or with friends that you love being around. I promise you'll be so glad you did!