Stressbusters for a worry-free break

YOUR summer holiday is supposed to be the time you switch off and relax, but nearly a third of us worry about things going wrong on just the first day.

New research by Booking.com found that, as a result, 39% of us feel the first 24 hours are always a blur, meaning we’re not making the most of our precious time away.

Here’s how to chill out quickly and de-stress fast, so you make the most of every second of your welldeserved break...

PACK IT IN

The dreaded packing is always a source of stress. Packing apps – such as Packpoint – can help remind you of essential (but often forgotten) things you should take.

Simply key in where you’re going, for how long and any activities you’ve planned during your trip and it creates a bespoke packing list.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

If you’re a nervous flyer, or feel panicked in a traffic jam, try 7/11 breathing, suggests Mike George, author of 1001 Ways to Relax (Watkins Publishing). This technique can help control the sharp, shallow breaths you take when you’re agitated and which can lead to a full-blown panic attack.

“Breathe in slowly and steadily to the count of seven, then breathe out slowly and steadily to the count of 11,” he says.

CHOOSE A COUNTER ON THE LEFT

Want a quick queue-busting hack? “The majority of travellers are righthanded so tend to gravitate to right hand counters,” says Booking.com life coach and wellbeing expert Sloan Sheridan-williams.

“So head to the counter that’s furthest left from the entrance and you should be among the first to make it to baggage reclaim.”

SOAK IT UP

It might be a struggle but the best way to switch off is to, er, switch off...

“Turn off your phone when you arrive at your destination,” says Sloan. “It’s important to focus on your new environment from the instant you arrive and be open to the new possibilities surrounding you.”

BRING YOUR HOME AWAY WITH YOU

“Whether staying in an apartment, hostel, boat or even a treehouse, many travellers feel more relaxed making their accommodation feel like home,” says Sloan. “Bring comforting items with you like your own mug or a family photograph.”

ACT DAFT!

“To ensure a quick transition to relaxing holiday mode, do something you wouldn’t normally do at home,” suggests Sloan.

“This is the time to let your hair down and do something new to switch your psychology to ‘relaxed’.”

BLUE IS THE COLOUR

“Find something blue in your surroundings whether it be the pool, a calm sky view or ocean waves outside your window,” says Sloan. “Stare at it for 60 seconds taking three deep breaths and getting lost in the moment. The colour blue will promote tranquillity.”

GET SOME ZZZZS

Drifting off in strange surroundings can sometimes be a challenge but it’s a great way to relax quickly.

“Use the senses of sight, sound and feeling to occupy the mind,” suggests Tony Wrighton, author of Relax in a Minute (Virgin Books). “First, think of how many hours you want to sleep – let’s say eight. Then, notice eight things you can see, concentrating on every one. Then eight things you can hear, then eight things you can feel or touch.

“For example, it might be the temperature of the air, the feeling of the sheet against your skin,” says Tony. Now shut your eyes and continue thinking about the things you saw in the room, what you can hear and feel.

Fully occupying your mind like this means it can’t concentrate on any worries you may have.

GIVE YOURSELF A VIRTUAL MASSAGE

Lying on the sunlounger and simply can’t switch off? Give yourself a virtual massage, says Tony. “Imagine a small, warm, glowing orb in front of your forehead,” he says. “It’s the perfect temperature, warm without being hot. You are in control of the orb, so roll it slowly across your forehead and face, and then very lightly rubbing and warming each temple.

“By letting go of physical tension like this, you relax physically and mentally.”

SAY NO TO STRESS TRIGGERS

Holidays are not the time to be brave about something that stresses you. Hate heights? Then don’t go with the rest of the family up the Eiffel Tower. Be selfish and say no to anything you think may stress you out.

WALK THIS WAY

Explore the area you’re staying in soon after you arrive. Not only will this help you get orientated, but studies show the simple act of walking alleviates stress.

“Take a half-hour walk and allow yourself to be soothed by the rhythm of your steps,” says Mike George. “It can allow your heaviest thoughts to drop away.”