Surviving the Easter Break: How to Look After Your Mental Health and Sanity
Hi mobsters,
It’s Leah here, mobster, mum and the founder of The House of Hormones! This week I am talking all about how to survive the Easter Holidays! I hope you find it useful and please as always, share any feedback or quesitons in the comments box below.
Ah, Easter break! A time for family, fun, and… anxiety? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of two weeks of disrupted routines, sugar highs, and endless demands, you’re not alone. Many parents feel the pressure of keeping everyone entertained, fed, and sane, while trying to hold onto their own mental well-being. Throw in fluctuating hormones, and it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster!
So, how do you survive Easter break without losing yourself in the chaos? Here are some tried-and-tested strategies to help you stay balanced:
1. Embrace a Flexible Routine
While the school schedule might be out the window, you don’t have to let chaos reign. Creating a loose routine, wake-up times, meal slots, and quiet periods, can provide structure without the stress of a rigid timetable. If your kids thrive on predictability, involve them in setting a fun holiday routine, like “Morning Playtime,” “Movie Afternoons,” or “Outdoor Adventures.”
2. Prioritise ‘Me Time’
Yes, Easter break is about family, but let’s be honest, being “on” 24/7 is exhausting. Carve out time for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes of peace with a cup of tea, a walk, or a quiet meditation. If possible, tag-team with your partner or a friend so you each get some alone time. A refreshed parent is a better parent! Sounds impossible, but please be proactive in prioritising this.
3. Plan Low-Stress Activities
Not every moment has to be jam-packed with Pinterest-perfect crafts or elaborate days out. Have a mix of activities: colouring in hard boiled eggs, nature walks, movie nights, or baking sessions. Give yourself permission to say ‘no’ to overwhelming plans and enjoy the small, simple moments instead.
4. Manage the Sugar Rush
Easter often means an influx of chocolate and treats, which can lead to energy crashes, mood swings, and tantrums (for kids and adults alike!). Balance things out with nutritious meals and encourage movement, dancing in the kitchen (too Megan Markle??), a family bike ride, or a game of tag outside. A little sugar is fine, but keeping an eye on intake can help everyone feel better.
5. Connect with Other Parents
Feeling isolated? Reach out! Whether it’s a quick venting session with a fellow mum, a playdate to share the load, or simply texting a friend, knowing you’re not alone can be a game-changer. The MOB community is here for you, as are THe House of Hormones, lean on your fellow Mobsters for support, ideas, and encouragement!
6. Be Kind to Yourself
If things don’t go as planned, that’s okay. The house might get messy, the kids might argue, and you might lose your patience. Instead of guilt-tripping yourself, practice self-compassion. You’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.
7. Regulate Your Hormones
If you’re navigating perimenopause or hormonal shifts, this period can feel even more challenging. Prioritise sleep, stay hydrated, and consider supplements or nutrition tweaks that support hormone balance. Stress-management techniques like deep breathing, gentle yoga, or journaling can also help.
8. Lower Your Expectations
Easter break doesn’t have to be magical, it just has to be manageable. Release the pressure to create the “perfect” holiday. Sometimes, just surviving it with your sanity intact is a win!
The Easter break can feel like a juggling act, but with a little planning, self-care, and realistic expectations, you can make it through with your mental health intact. Remember, you are not alone in feeling the overwhelm, so be gentle with yourself, lean on your community, and take it one day at a time.
Mobsters, how do you keep your sanity during the holidays? Share your tips!
Best
Leah
