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Back to school! 5 ways parents can treat themselves after the summer break
Summer break is a wonderful time to bond with your kids, but letâs be honest – it can also be a lot! By the end of six weeks, most parents are ready for a little peace and quiet.
So youâve packed the lunches and they are looking smart in their new uniforms, now itâs time to think about yourself. Travelodge has found that 32% of parents have set aside money to spend on themselves when the kids go back to school, whilst one in five admit theyâll be booking a child-free break this week after the long six-week school holiday.
In our latest blog, we fill your school backpack with top tips and recommendations for carving out some ‘Me Time’ during the new term.
5 parent-friendly ways to recharge after the summer holidays
Relax
Youâve spent six weeks caring for others â now is the time for some all-important self-care. Take advantage of the long-awaited quiet and grab a little ‘Me Time’ with a soothing pamper experience. A trip to a spa, or just taking a couple of hours out of your day for a rejuvenating massage, will do a world of good. It wonât just relax your muscles â massage is known to relieve stress, improve your sleep and give you a much-needed serotonin and dopamine hit. A happy parent is said to mean a happy child and letâs face it, youâve earned it!
Itâs been all about entertaining the little ones for the past few weeks. Carving out some time in your busy schedule to reconnect with your loved ones is vital for healthy relationships and a happy family. Just one in 20 UK couples have a designated date night even though 70% of those who do say they are happier. A meal out with a friend or partner is the top prize for any parent (no cooking or washing up!), but the fun doesnât need to end at dessert. Book a concert to see an artist you love, laugh together at a comedy show or get lost in the drama of the theatre.
Youâve been running around after kids for six weeks. Now you can slow the pace and simply put one foot in front of the other. A walk in nature is the perfect way to escape the demands of daily life for a few hours. Quiet time alone with your thoughts will help you regroup and return to the routines of life with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. And soaking up the incredible views our countryside has to offer is known to have a positive impact on your wellbeing.
Back to school also means back to the demands of extracurricular activities. Parents are gearing up to taxi kids around to dance classes or stand in soggy fields all winter watching football. When was the last time you spent time on your own passions or hobbies? Whether itâs reading, crafting, writing, gaming, gardening, photography or sports, making time to do something you love will help you feel fulfilled. Hobbies are great for our wellbeing, creativity and physical health â all of which ultimately help you be a better parent.
Who says kids should have all the fun? Relive your childhood by seeking out thrills and adrenaline-pumping activities in adult-only environments. Venues around the UK are catching up to the idea that our inner children are ready to come out and play â with an adult twist! Ball pits arenât just for kids and some even have cocktail bars in the middle of them! Zip wires and giant trampoline nets are definitely more fun over 30.