Coping with the Summer Holidays – How to Stay Calm & in Control
How to Cope with the Stress of Summer Holidays — And Stay Calm and in Control
For many people, the idea of summer brings images of sunshine, relaxation and quality time with loved ones. But for others, it can be a time of increased stress, pressure, and overwhelm. If you’re already feeling anxious about the upcoming summer holidays, you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not weak. You’re human.
As a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Stress Therapist, I’ve supported many clients who dread the holiday season. Whether it’s the change in routine, the extra responsibilities, or the pressure to make everything “perfect,” the stress is real and it’s valid.
Why Are the Summer Holidays So Stressful?
Here are some common triggers:
Childcare challenges: Balancing work with school holidays can feel impossible.
Travel stress: Organising trips, booking accommodation, navigating airports, and keeping everyone happy.
Financial pressure: Summer camps, activities and holidays aren’t cheap, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
Family dynamics: Tensions can rise when routines are disrupted and everyone is together more often.
Personal expectations: We put too much pressure on ourselves to make everything ‘magical’ for others. Sometimes it’s the simple pleasures that are more fun for everyone and don’t have to cost a fortune.
When you’re already busy, adding more to your mental load can feel overwhelming. If you live in York or Harrogate, click here for lots of ideas for days out and activities to do with your children.
How Hypnotherapy Can Help You Stay Calm and in Control
The good news is that you don’t have to power through or put yourself last. There are a lot of tools and techniques to help you feel more grounded, focused and emotionally balanced.
Here’s how I support clients during this time of year:
1. Stress-Reduction Strategies That Actually Work
I’ll guide you through personalised techniques that help calm your mind and body — including breathing exercises, visualisation, and emotional freedom technique (EFT). These can be used anywhere, even mid-meltdown in the car park!
2. Hypnotherapy to Reset Your Mindset
Through gentle, relaxing hypnotherapy sessions, we work on calming your nervous system and building resilience. We also shift negative patterns like perfectionism, guilt or people-pleasing — so you can stop putting yourself last.
3. Tools to Help You Set Boundaries
Learning to say no (without guilt) and protecting your energy are essential to your wellbeing. I can help you create simple strategies that allow you to show up for others without burning yourself out.
4. Support That’s Tailored to You
Whether you’re managing a busy household, running a business, or simply trying to stay afloat, we’ll create a plan that suits your life and your needs.
Summer Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
You deserve a summer where you feel calm, confident and in control — no matter what’s happening around you. Self care is an absolute necessity, even in the summer holidays. It’s not being selfish and it’s not a luxury. If you don’t look aft you, who will?
If you’d like support to ease anxiety, feel emotionally stronger, and manage the holiday season with more ease, I’m here to help. I offer two late nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays working 10am to 9pm, throughout the year. This means you don’t have to re-schedule days to fit in your self care for your health and wellbeing.
I also have a PDF worksheet to help you through the holidays, get in touch if you would like a copy.
️ You can book a session, learn more about how I work, or download free resources at:
Make this summer about balance, not burnout for yourself and your family.