Vacations and Relationship Problems – Going on holiday can be a time for fun, rest and relaxation. A time to spend with loved ones making memories that you will treasure, having adventures, and gaining new experiences. It can also be a time of stress, anxiety and worry that can put a strain on your relationship with your partner or loved ones. In a previous blog post we have explored whether holidays can have a positive or negative impact on your mental health.
Are Holidays Good for Mental Health?
It would seem that taking a break can have benefits to our mental and physical health and decrease burnout, but that it can also trigger low moods and lack of motivation. In an article published in Psychology Today – How Vacations Can Help or Harm Your Relationship, they suggest that vacations can increase opportunities for conflict, and can magnify already existing tensions, also because going away can be tiring and travel can be stressful, we are more likely to swipe at those closest to us.
There are steps though, that you can take to avoid your relationship becoming a casualty of your holiday. Here are some ideas:
- Plan your time away together, talk about what you both want from the holiday and allow time for activities that you will both enjoy. Try not to pack too much in to your days, if you are exhausted then you may be more likely to argue and come home not rested.
- Agree a budget for your holiday, discuss how it will be paid for and who’s paying for what. Budget for the things that you want to do and don’t overspend.
- Start planning and getting things together for your holiday in good time. Discuss who will be responsible for packing what, maybe you will be responsible for your own things, maybe one of you will pack for the children and the other for the adults. Check your passports are valid, get your travel money, wash your clothes, get your prescriptions filled. These are all small things but if left to the last minute or if you are expecting a partner to think of these things for you, it could trigger an argument. Be responsible for yourself and what you need and discuss and manage things together.
- Think about your travel, plan for delays, take books, audiobooks, snacks, things that will keep you occupied.
- Plan time when you are doing things independently of each other, whether this is on your own or with other people. It will give you time apart and also something that you can tell the other person about.
- Consider how much you drink when you are away. Being on holiday can feel like a green light to drink, particularly if you are enjoying an all inclusive package deal. Think about how this is going to impact you and those around you. You may well feel hungover and tired and this can increase tensions.
Consider how much you are on your phone – consider a digital detox (Please see our Blog Addiction to Your Phone) Being on your phone, and being connected to everyone can be a cause of stress, and it can take you away from spending meaningful time with your family, and creating memories that you will cherish.
If however, your relationship has become strained and you feel as though you could use some professional support, you might want to consider couples or relationship counselling. Please take a look at the Couples Therapy Page and FAQs Page. We also have some blogs that you might find helpful.
Relationship Counselling Not Just for Couples
Relationship / Couples Counselling FAQs
Couples Therapy with Paul Carter
If you would like to find out more about how I can help you and discuss your particular needs please Call me on 07843 813537. Please leave a message if I can’t answer your call and I’ll call you back as soon as possible. If you have any other questions or enquiries please call or send me a message by completing the online enquiry form.
