AND... relax!

Switching off can be harder than it sounds — if you find it tough to unwind on holiday, try these therapist-endorsed tips to let yourself go,

- writes Sara Keenan

Whether it's work commitments, family duties, or our mind is just elsewhere — for many of us, transitioning from a busy day-to-day life to sudden holiday mode can take time to adjust. But there's nothing worse than finding you've finally relaxed and then it's time to head home! Senior psychotherapist 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,' he says. '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. 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 don't have a lot of time to make that switch. Therefore, it's important we try to make that transition a little easier.' Here, Dr Swift and therapist Joanne Saulter share tips on how to properly unwind and de-stress during those well-needed holiday breaks.

Physically slow yourself down