Struggling To Relax This Summer? Here Are Some New Habits To Pick Up
The summer time is the season of relaxation! It’s the time when most people go on holiday, when the kids are off school, and when the sun is out and the evenings are long. There’s more time to relax and do things for yourself, and there’s less pressure to get things done when it’s too hot and sweaty for any real work!
For some people, however, the summer feels like it needs to be just as rushed and busy as every other time of the year. If you’re one such person, it’s time to bust the habit of over productivity and settle down for a nice, cozy summer break. Check out the tips below for a few ideas on some new habits you can pick up and use all the way to autumn.
Wake with the Sun
Waking with the sun provides a lovely start to the day. You get the chance to soak up some of the rays before they get too hot, or the air gets too humid, and it’s likely to be a lot more peaceful outside too!
And you don’t have to get up at 5am-ish either. 6am is a perfectly fine time to start the day, and the sun will have just about risen enough for the golden hour to fall over your home.
Although, if you find it difficult to wake up early in the morning, this habit might take some adjusting to! Maybe you’re not that much of an ‘early bird’? That’s OK!
You might just want to head to bed a little earlier while it’s still summer. Taking some thc cbd gummies to help you sleep at night, and maintain a consistent bedtime, is something to consider here too. That should get you out of bed early in the morning with no problem!
Spend Some Time at the Sea
People have ‘taken sea air’ for their health for at least a century now! But what was once a good way to get clear of the smog and dirt of the city is now a simple relaxation tool you can use when you’ve had a stressful week.
The ocean has a real calming effect to it, and being down at the beach puts you in touch with this powerful sense of nature!
Try Some Outdoor Yoga
You’re heading outside to get sunshine anyway, why not spend a bit more time doing early morning yoga as well? Yoga is great for all body types and fitness levels, as it’s an art that focuses on your health in a holistic way.
Plus, most people – and even those who hit the gym 3 or more times a week – don’t do as much stretching as they really should.
You can practice a bit of yoga on a mat in your garden or on the patio for 10 to 15 minutes. Then head back inside and get your day started in the way you always do!
Let’s make this summer the most relaxing one yet!
When Families Fall Out: What the Beckham Headlines Can Teach Us About Repair and Mediation
When Families Fall Out explores what the recent Beckham headlines can teach us about family rupture, repair and the role mediation can play when relationships feel strained. With insight from JMW Solicitors’ family law team and child anxiety therapist Saskia Joss, it looks at why disconnection happens, how to name it, and what practical support can help families move forward with more understanding and kindness.
When Parents Split, Schools Feel It Too: The Hidden Impact on Children
Relationship expert Sally Land highlights the hidden toll that high-conflict separations can take on children — and how often schools end up caught in the crossfire. Citing research from The Parents Promise, she notes that teachers are regularly seeing the fallout in real time: slipping grades, increased absence, withdrawal, behavioural issues and worsening mental health.
Building a Brand as a Working Parent: The Bit Nobody Talks About (The Loneliness)
Building a brand as a working parent looks great on paper — flexible hours, doing something you love, creating a life that fits around family. But the reality is often messier. You’re juggling school runs and deadlines, client work and packed lunches, confidence wobbles and cash flow worries… and somehow you’re expected to show up online like you’ve got it all under control.
The Balance of Play
I hate admitting that because I value play so deeply, especially in those precious early years. It’s how our children learn, explore, imagine and build confidence. But as a mum trying to keep a household running and a business growing, it’s not always easy to appreciate those moments.
Part Time Working Mummy Interview: Rachaele Hambleton & Josh Marshall
Rachaele Hambleton, aka Part Time Working Mummy, is an inspirational mum of six. The incredible 43-year-old is a Sunday Times Bestselling Author—four times over—founder of The Patchwork House, a support and guidance service for vulnerable individuals and families, and she’s also a successful entrepreneur, which includes her own clothing brand REBL.
Introducing Amanda Marks
We’re thrilled to welcome our new columnist Amanda Marks. Amanda is a Renowned Breastfeeding, Food & Sleep Consultant
With over 40 years of experience supporting families, Amanda Marks is a highly respected breastfeeding, food, and sleep consultant. Based in prestigious locations including 10 Harley Street, London, and Alderley Edge, Cheshire, Amanda has worked with families from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities and royalty, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
An Interview with English Professional Boxer Chris Billam-Smith
At BROOD, we’re always drawn to stories that celebrate not just professional triumphs, but the heart and humanity behind them. Someone who embodies this spirit perfectly is Chris Billam-Smith—a world-class athlete
whose grit in the ring is matched only by his devotion to his family.
Why Family Gardening Is Having a Quiet Comeback
There’s a noticeable shift happening in how families spend their time. It isn’t loud or trend-led, and it’s rarely documented with before-and-after shots. Instead, it’s quieter and slower, rooted in small routines and shared moments. Family gardening is part of that change.
From Parliament to the Premier League: Campaigning for survivors of domestic abuse during this #16DaysOfActivism
Our Head of Social Causes and Sub-Editor Teresa Parker was joined by BROOD Editor-in Chief Lolo Stubbs at an event in Parliament on the 2nd December 2025 to mark ten years of coercive control legislation. Teresa organised the event through her consultancy Teresa Parker Media, in partnership with Hawkins, Laxton & Co, which is run by her former colleagues Clare and Sian.
WHY PARENTS NEED A WILL (Even If You Don’t Think You Do)
A lot of people still think wills are only for the wealthy or the elderly. I hear this all the time. In reality, wills are about far more than dividing up money.
