Jul 17

Sunshine, Schedules and Switching Off (Sort of)

Sunshine, Schedules and Switching Off (Sort of) 

As the school summer holidays get underway, many of us find ourselves juggling work and home responsibilities, all while trying to keep our own wellbeing in check. Whether you’re a working parent navigating childcare, or simply noticing the shift in rhythm that comes with quieter inboxes and warmer days, this season brings both opportunities and challenges. This year, I’m being more intentional and more relaxed about how I navigate it – and I wanted to share a few reflections that might help you, your team, and even your family make it through the summer with a little more calm and a little less chaos. 
Photo of sea and beach with sun

Manage Expectations – Yours and Others’ 

Let’s be honest, summer holidays aren’t all sun-drenched bliss. There’s hopefully some fun and joy – but also the daily logistics of finding places for the kids to go or things for them to do! By the end of the summer, I’m usually frazzled and not even close to rested, despite using most of my annual leave! Most of this is my own expectations, but in general, it’s hard!  We’re not meant to be everything to everyone. And yet, the pressure to do it all can feel overwhelming. Keep work ticking over AND be present for our children.  Make memories AND get ahead for September. Enjoy the sunshine AND keep the house in order. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) that managing expectations is an act of compassion, both for myself and those around me. Some years I’ve tried taking the odd day off each week, but that often left me half-switched on and rarely recharged. This summer, I’m taking blocks of time off – to be with my children, to relax, and to properly reset. I’ve promised myself (and my team and family!) that I won’t sneak onto the laptop. Well… not too much. My youngest is 10 and still (thankfully!) enjoys spending time with me. I want to make the most of that window, especially as my 15-year-old is now much more independent. When they were both younger, the juggle was even tougher – drop-offs, pick-ups, and figuring out how to get a solid work day in between it all. This year, we’ve made a simple list of things we want to do together – no fixed dates, no pressure. If we don’t get it all done – that’s ok! That little shift has already made a big difference to how I’m feeling going into the holidays.  
Photo of lego block scattered on a floor

Embrace the Season – Literally and Culturally 

In many parts of Europe, it’s completely normal for businesses to slow down over the summer – some even close entirely. It’s partly practical (heat!), but also cultural – a recognition that summer is a time to step back and reset. I think we could all use a little more of that mindset. Whether it's taking a longer lunch to enjoy the sun, working more flexibly around family life, or letting go of the pressure to schedule every moment – a seasonal slowdown can be nourishing. In my team, I encourage everyone to take as much time off as they can over summer. But it’s not just about holidays – it’s also okay to shift your working patterns to make the most of a sunny afternoon or to take a break from the screen when energy dips. A few things you could think about:  - Take real breaks: Not just a few hours here and there – blocks of time to properly rest and switch off. - Work flexibly: If you can, think about what will give you the space and the rest that you need - longer breaks in the day, shorter focused bursts when it suits. - Tap into your values: Mine are compassion, growth, and dependability. I check in with them regularly to guide how I show up – for others, and for myself. - Let go of the perfect plan: I’m usually a big planner, but this year I’m embracing a more relaxed approach – and it’s taken the pressure off. 
A woman sat reading by bookstore/ coffee shop

What About You? 

- What do you need to recharge this summer?
- How can you model the kind of flexibility and self-kindness that others might need to see?
- And how can we all capture just a little of that Mediterranean "out of office" magic in our everyday lives?
Whatever your summer looks like, I hope there’s space in it for what matters to you. Let’s remember that the school holidays are temporary, but the benefits of getting a good balance may last far longer. 

Natalie