It’s hard to think about unwinding when the stresses of everyday life, be it in our province, country or the world, is taking its toll. And learning how to relax, can be difficult too.

Holidays give us the chance to leave the day-to-day stresses of life behind. But for many of us who get back from a break, you feel more stressed than before you left.

The goal here is to relax, refresh, and rewind to maintain your health and decompress, giving your body and mind a well-deserved break.

Granny Mouse Country House & Spa’s General Manager, Sean Granger, has a few good tips to share to ensure you enjoy your time away.

With a few strategies in place, you can make your next vacation a more relaxing experience:

• Make sure you plan a schedule around relaxing. Having an itinerary is fine, but it’s also imperative to build free time into your schedule. Downtime is a precious commodity – use it to take a nap, read a chapter from a good book, or just sit in the garden and take in the sights and sounds of nature.
• Make sure you have sorted out all your work commitments, so it doesn’t infringe on your break. We understand that you can’t completely cut off work-related communication, as it’s not realistic. If you cannot completely shut off, then set times in the day to check your emails and respond to anything urgent. Once done, set work aside for your own mental health.
• Try and stay off the cellphone and switch off your alerts for all message apps and social media.
• Try initiate a full-on tech detox, and dedicate time to the real world. Look for technology-free entertainment alternatives.
• Relax! If crowded places make you anxious, rather enjoy a day at the spa, or enjoy the countryside and explore in nature. The holiday is just as much for you as it is for your family or partner. A glass of wine or a mocktail at sunset is best enjoyed absorbed in the moment, and may be a little daunting at first but after a short while, it is nothing short of magical.
• Read that book, and an early night or two definitely contributes to a good wind down. Apparently there is research from Sussex University that reading a book can reduce stress by up to 68% in just 6 minutes.
• Once more, we encourage you to step outdoors, take a morning walk and let it be part of your holiday morning ritual. It’s a great way to clear your head and restore mental clarity. Some activity gives the body and mind a boost.
• Good food is another way to relax & unwind, and if you’re at the “Mouse House”, you’ve come to the right place. It has some of the finest food available and offers two dining restaurants, with their Culinary Artist making up most fresh, unique creations.
• We all can admit that some of the fondest memories we have were times spent around a table, sharing great food and conversation with family or close friends.
• If possible, stop “clock-watching” and just forget about the time as it can control our lives extensively. Remember, this is a break so take advantage of it.
• Once the holiday is over, take one day to just chill at home. This is really the best idea before getting back into those early morning wake-ups and the working hours ahead.

So pack those bags, head up to Granny Mouse Country House & Spa and take that time for you and Relax. Go to www.grannymouse.co.za to find out more.