Why summer can feel more challenging than you expected
Summer is the season of sunshine, family time and good memories. Your social media feed is probably full of smiling faces and people having days out and holidays. However, don’t be fooled – summer can feel very different in real life.
If you are a carer the summer can bring major shifts in routine. Children are at home for the school holidays and you might be balancing work, family and caring all at the same time. Add the rising cost of activities, food and childcare, and summer can make you feel stretched.
If you’re finding this time of year more challenging than you expected, you’re not alone.
This month we are focusing on the things you can do in summer to help you feel less overwhelmed.
Some of the hidden pressures you might be thinking about are how to use annual leave to look after the children while also saving days for later in the year, balancing work with caring, where to find money for days out, holidays and travel (even ice creams) and coping with the hot weather.
There is pressure to create the “perfect summer” for yourself, your family and the person you care for. But remember, feeling tired, frustrated and overwhelmed are normal feelings to experience. It doesn’t mean you are a bad carer. You are just juggling more than usual.
Take a moment to acknowledge those feelings – that’s the first step.
Next, think about some things you can do over the next few months to help your wellbeing. It doesn’t have to cost money or take a lot of time. You just need small reset moments and a chance to take a breath.
Here are some ideas:
- Enjoy 10 minutes with a cup of tea before everyone wakes up.
- Go for a short walk in the morning while it’s cool.
- Say yes when someone offers help.
- Make yourself a nice drink – a coffee or a cool drink
- Take five slow breaths. Inhale for four seconds and exhale for six.
- Stretch. Roll your shoulders, stretch your neck and do some side stretches.
- Write down everything on your mind. Don’t organise it, just get it out of your head and onto paper or a notes app.
- Pick one priority. Ask yourself, “If I only did one thing in the next 15 minutes, what would help the most?”
- Reduce stimulation. Silence notifications, lower the volume, or move to a quieter space if you can.
Be kind to yourself. Instead of saying “I should be handling this,” try saying: “This is a lot right now. I’ll take it one step at a time.”
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing practical tips and supportive advice to help make summer feel a little more manageable, as well as highlighting the support we offer carers in North Tyneside.
Remember, you don’t have to have everything figured out and you are not alone.
If you are a carer and need support, contact North Tyneside Carers’ Centre.
0191 2496480