5 tips for surviving the holiday period.

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BY MELISSA SLIMMING

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Society makes us think that we should be excited for the holiday period however for our cohort, the holidays can bring a level of anxiety. Thinking about all the preparation that is involved, having to calm your nerves and expect the unexpected or trying to organise the environment around you to minimise risk, it is a tough time ahead. We understand.

Here are our top 5 tips to surviving the holiday period.

1. Routine
   Consistency is key. Routine is so important when continuing life outside of school, respite and weekend care. Keeping the routine will minimise behaviours. It will be extremely hard to replicate going to respite but those small everyday steps you take before you head out the door will keep everyone feeling safe and happy.

2. Preparation
   Preparing a loved one for a special visitor, new environment or a car trip to a holiday destination will ensure that they (and you) are equipped with the skills to handle the situation. Social stories, photographs or colourful pictures will help minimise anxiety.

3. Activities
   Whether you are 4 or 84, having a full agenda keeps you occupied. It keeps your mind active and also physically active. Whether it’s going for a walk, visiting a friend, watching your favourite movie or helping to prepare dinner – having familiar activities planned throughout the day will help minimise behaviours.

4. Go outside
   This strategy is a very handy strategy when dealing with behaviours of concern. Changing the scenery and heading outside for some vitamin d can help take the pressure off. You can go outside into your backyard, walk to a nearby park, visit the neighbour or go for a walk along the beach. Being outside and listening to nature such as the wind, the waves crashing or the birds chirping – all these little small, calm noises help the mind and can calm those who have many internal thoughts. 

5. Support
   It is impossible to do it all on your own. Having a strong support network around you will help get you through those holiday periods. Try and touch base with a family from your child’s school. Make sure your partner has availability to help out when they can. Ask a family member to pop over for a cup of tea. Utilise a support worker to help out during those challenging times such as in the afternoons or whilst you run errands. Ask for help when you need a rest, or get on the phone and talk to someone who understands the strengths and challenges of your day to day role. You need a sounding board and also an advocate. Having a strong network of people around you, who understand, can help get you through those hard periods.