With the summer holidays coming up, it is time to share a few thoughts on - how to deal with the often unusual environments we get exposed to, while away. Most of the time, all is well and we feel energised and refreshed.

However, on occasion, I have found myself in a disgustingly musty smelling hotel room. What if everything is booked out and you can’t change to another room? - Open the windows, and get out of there the next day.

For campers- never pack up wet stuff and leave it for any length of time, especially in summer. Mould grows almost immediately and will not leave the fabrics ever again.

For anyone with pollen allergies or asthma, I strongly recommend to take along an air purifier. Air conditioning systems can’t be trusted, as COVID has shown. - If possible, open the windows and turn off your aircon.

Noise is another issue, whether from airconditioning, streets, or neighbours: Take noise cancelling earphones and/or earplugs with you.

Holidays are actually a chance for a big re-set. Consider allowing yourself things that you don’t usually do or eat. In the context of an entirely different environment, this sometimes works. You might find that you are not allergic to certain foods, anymore, or that you enjoy new activities. > However, - make sure not to take undue risks!

Generally, holidays are great, because we can take time-out from your worries and patterns: Give yourself a break! Discover new horizons!

Of course, also try to eventually think about the return to ‘normality’ and how you are going to manage that differently, from then on. - If you make decisions to change your attitudes and patterns, make sure to make your goals achievable and structure them in a way that engages them differently into your life. Otherwise, you will disappoint yourself and feel as a victim of circumstances. (see S.M.A.R.T. goals)

Step into your power! But: Plan for draw-backs. A lost battle is not a lost war…. or so they say. (my teacher once said: “The beauty of a lack of planning is that failure comes as a total surprise.” - but that is not a good kind of surprise….)

One more holiday-tip: Try different locations. I have always been a beach-person, but recently have been going West and inland - the country out there blows my mind in its sublime beauty! I’m totally addicted, now.

Yes, it is worth leaving the comfort zone. :-) Being alive is all about learning. And adjusting to different circumstances make us more resilient.

Having said that, - I just read an article about the increase in family tension and domestic violence during holidays. Please be patient with each other, be supportive and forgiving. Rising tensions are an indication that you need to look at your lifestyle and work commitments. It is impossible to switch form the daily obstacle course to suddenly being / having the ideal partner or child. Understand that we need to learn to live with each other, during holidays.

See you on the other side!