Save the date for Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival 2023

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The Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival will make a welcome return this autumn to celebrate the food, drink and local heritage of the area.

The village will host the festival on the weekend of 6th – 8th October, with lots to look forward to from a variety of fantastic food demonstrations, entertainment, live music, fishing activities and outdoor fun for children to enjoy. Foodies will be able to indulge locally produced food and drink, with a focus on salmon and whiskey.

Visitors will enjoy the local warm hospitality of the village at both the Bushmills Distillery and the Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market. The distillery will be open during the festival weekend, while the market will offer the opportunity to meet the makers behind the local produce, purchase unique handmade crafts and more.

Many independent businesses are involved to help make the festival a success, as well as involvement from local chefs, including Gary Stewart from Tartine at The Distillers Arms, who is an integral part of the weekend. Celebrity chef Paula McIntrye will be attending over the weekend and will be hosting several cookery demonstrations.

The festival is part funded by DAERA – NI Regional Food Programme, supported by the Bushmills Business Association.

Friday, October 6

A unique Coast & Countryside tour will be available throughout the day, exploring the bespoke offering Bushmills has to offer. This will be guided by the wonderful Wendy Gallagher (pre-booking required via causewaycoastfoodietours.com).

The highlight of Friday evening is the Bushmills ‘Dine around Town’, a unique food and drink experience created to indulge visitors with bespoke menus using the finest quality local produce. Musical performances in select venues will set the mood to kick-off the festival weekend. This is a ticketed event with limited places. More details on how to book will be announced later.

Saturday, October 7

Enjoy wandering around Bushmills and guide yourself through the Taste Trail, taking in the smells and flavours on offer. The many great restaurants and cafes in the village welcome you to try a variety of fresh local dishes embracing locally sourced ingredients, especially Salmon and/or Whiskey. Bushmills Distillery will be open during the weekend and hosting tours. The Visitor Information Centre will host a taste showcase of products from local artisan producers. Various establishments will also host music and entertainment into the evening.

Sunday, October 8

The Outdoor (STREAT) programme will consist of Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market stalls, Bushmills Distillery whiskey tastings and tours, cookery demonstrations with celebrity chef Paula McIntyre and various talented local chefs, musical acts, and entertainers. There will also be a quiet time session for children with additional needs.

Main Street carpark will host an afternoon of live cookery demonstrations and the ‘Whiskey Hub’, a brand-new experience for the Whiskey enthusiast. A select range of local distilleries will host a taste and information session across Sunday afternoon, allowing visitors to taste and experience the fine whiskeys on offer in Northern Ireland.

With many ways to enjoy unique food experiences, this festival is not one to be missed!

DAERA has advised Council that, due to budget constraints, it is unable to open up the River Bush Salmon Station to the public as part of this year’s festival, as it had done in the past.

James Huish and his Band are back – LIVE ON STAGE!

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James Huish and his band are back in action and making their way to the Belfast music scene once again.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about it! We’re super excited to announce that we will be bringing a brand new Big Band show to the fabulous Avenue Arts Centre on the Lisburn Road in Belfast. Mark your calendars for September 8 because this is a show you don’t want to miss!“

We want to extend a warm invitation to all the wonderful folks out there who have had the pleasure of seeing James and his band before, as well as those who simply adore the timeless music of the American songbook. Think Tony Bennett, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and of course Michael Bublé too. Send such as “The Way You Look Tonight”, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, “Home”, and “Always On My Mind”. “Fly Me To The Moon”. Feeling Good”, and many more. Get ready, because it’s going to be a truly magical evening that will leave you dancing all the way home. Come on down and join us for a night of pure musical bliss!

Now, let’s talk a bit about James and his incredible journey. Known as IRELANDS “King of Swing” and the UK’s Michael Bublé, James has been wowing audiences all across the UK, Ireland, and Europe and further afield with his mesmerizing vocals. But wait, there’s more! After taking a well-deserved break to create the James Huish Academy of Theatre Arts, he’s now ready to bring back the glory of his musical career to the world that existed before Covid. From sold-out shows at prestigious venues like the Grand Opera House and the Empire to performing at corporate events in glamorous cities like Dubai and London, James has truly made a name for himself. And now, it’s time to reignite that amazing sound once again!

If you’re as excited as we are and want to grab your tickets, please click HERE.  Be quick! This is an experience you won’t want to miss out on! See you there!

Arctic Monkeys Announce World Tour Finale in Dublin and Belfast!

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Announce World Tour Finale in Dublin & Belfast

15th October 2023 – 3Arena

16th October 2023 – The SSE Arena

17th October 2023 – 3Arena

19th October 2023 – 3Arena

Tickets On Sale Tuesday 29th August at 9am

Arctic Monkeys will be returning to Dublin & Belfast in October for a series of arena dates to mark the end of their World Tour. The band are pleased to announce Miles Kane as Special Guest. These dates follow the cancellation of the band’s summer show at Dublin’s Marlay Park.

Previous ticket holders will be sent a unique access code and will be given 72-hour priority pre-sale access starting at 9am on Friday, Aug 25th to purchase tickets. Only the same number of tickets, or less, purchased previously for Marlay Park will be available to purchase for these new dates.

All remaining tickets will be made available for sale at 9am on Tuesday, August 29th.

In support of their seventh, Mercury shortlisted album, ‘The Car’, Arctic Monkeys commence a 30 date tour of North America in Minneapolis on Thursday the 25th of August which concludes with two nights at Foro Sol Stadium in Mexico City on October 6th & 7th.

For more information contact:

 

Website/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music

Something Must Change In The Takeaway Industry Or Consumers Will Continue To Feel The Financial Impact

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By Sandeep Sharma, eatlocaluk.co.uk

In the last three years, operational costs associated with running a takeaway or food-to-go business have increased by up to 35-40% for some businesses.

From the rising energy costs which show no sign of coming back down again and the increases in raw produce and food/packaging supplies, takeaways have found themselves finding it more and more difficult to operate profitably.

Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic in some ways helped the industry go digital, this fast-forwarding of digital transformation has ultimately had devastating effects on the bottom line.

Companies like JustEat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo very quickly captured the market and became the consumer go-to for food delivery. Businesses that once relied on orders via telephone were finding less and less people lifting the phone and more and more orders coming through these global food ordering platforms. 

For some businesses this was revolutionary and many have increased their gross revenue as a result, but, in many cases, this has been a false economy with businesses just becoming busier but paying more and more of their profits out in commissions each week to the larger corporate apps.

Currently a conservative estimate is that over £40-45 million is leaving the Northern Ireland economy each year, this equates to between 1300-1500 takeaways across the country averaging payments weekly of between £300-£3000 per takeaway to the three main global ordering apps.

The industry is now in a position where, without big changes, takeaways will continue to go to the wall as they attempt to keep on top of and keep up with the low-profit apps.

And it’s not just bad news for the businesses. Rising operational costs like utilities and food prices as well as high commissions going to JustEat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo among others means the consumers are feeling the pinch too.

Just Eat, for example, claims in its terms and conditions that those businesses who sign up must offer menu board prices, ie, the price on the menu board when you enter the shop. But the reality is there’s no way businesses can do this and operate a sustainable business. As a result, the costs are being passed on to the consumer and, in some cases, they’re paying more for each item they order than they would in the shop. This can be up to £7-10 extra for a family ordering their Friday night takeaway.

It is in response to the continued rising costs for the food delivery industry from large corporate ordering apps that we have launched a local, Northern Ireland based competitor that focuses on the needs of both the consumer and the business.

Eat Local, the new food delivery app will offer restaurants, takeaways, cafes and other food-to-go establishments the opportunity to significantly decrease their costs for operating their delivery services.

This game-changing app allows food-to-go businesses the ability to reclaim complete control over their food delivery business whilst keeping their profits and their data allowing them to decide how they run their business without the restrictions many of the global food ordering apps place upon the takeaways who sign up to their services.

Part of our mission is to encourage establishments to offer consumers the same prices on the app as they would get in the shop, more commonly known in the industry as ‘menu board prices’, saving that extra £7-10 for families. 

It’s time for the takeaway industry to take back their profits and to stop paying exuberant fees to global organisations which haemorrhage money from the local economy.

All we need is for our local communities, businesses and people to join us in our quest to nourish your neighbourhood by keeping those millions in our local economy.

Business & Mindset Event Momentum Is Back For A Night At The Museum

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Momentum Founders Amée Spence and Warren Giffin

A Belfast business and mindset event is to return this Autumn with a whole host of new speakers.

The event, supported by Gekkoshot,will take place at the Ulster Museum on September 22, is set to reveal an all-star speaker lineup including leading names in hospitality, mindset, marketing, ecommerce, data and much more.

According to organisers Warren Giffin and Amée Spence, Momentum: A Night At The Museum aims to bridge the gap between business needs and mindset support.

Speaking of September’s event, Warren said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Momentum back for a second event, building upon the resounding success of our inaugural event back in January at The MAC.

“Last time we had fantastic speakers such as self-made entrepreneur and CEO of Bellamianta & Iconic Bronze, Linda Stinson, as well as passionate mental health advocate and Let’s Face It podcast host, Domhnall Nugent.

“This time we’re excited to get ready to announce an equally special lineup of industry experts who will give our attendees a night to remember.”

Momentum founders, Warren and Amée seek to provide a space where ideas can manifest, grow and build by bringing together a diverse community of entrepreneurs, innovators, thought leaders and marketing professionals who are fuelled by passion, curious at heart and determined to succeed. 

Amée explained: “Momentum serves as an accelerator for personal growth and professional progress.

“We understand that the world of business can often be a lonely one. Especially for business owners and entrepreneurs who have chosen a life outside of the usual 9-5.

“These people often struggle to find the right support both professionally and mentally. Which is why we set up Momentum.

“Our events are designed to facilitate open dialogues and share expertise across various business domains, while simultaneously providing insights into personal development and mindset mastery. 

“What sets Momentum apart is our commitment to creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. We believe that learning and growth should be enjoyable, and our evening events are designed to combine education, entertainment, and networking opportunities in a vibrant and lively atmosphere.”

“With a Prosecco reception, mesmerising fire performers, dinner and thought-provoking talks from industry leaders, Momentum: A Night At The Museum offers a refreshing departure from traditional business gatherings. It’s an occasion to dress up and have fun while gaining valuable insights on how to elevate your business to new heights.”

Tickets for Momentum: A Night At The Museum on September 22, 6.30pm-late are now on sale from thisismomentum.co.uk 

THE JOLLY BIG BUSINESS BOOST COMPETITION IS BACK, GIVING YOUNG BUSINESSES A CHANCE TO TRADE FOR FREE AT BELFAST CHRISTMAS MARKET

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The lucky winners of the Jolly Big Business Boost will be given the opportunity to trade for FREE at the Belfast Christmas Market from 18 November until 22 December 2023. Operators of the Belfast Christmas Market, Market Place Europe, are looking for innovative, young entrepreneurs from across Northern Ireland who are ready to take their business to the next level. The Jolly Big Business competition focuses on providing recently established businesses, a platform to sell their products and to build awareness of their brand with over 1 million visitors expected in this year’s Belfast Christmas Market.

Allan Hartwell, Managing Director of Market Place Europe said:

“The Jolly Big Business Boost is a great way for entrepreneurs to enhance their business and get their foot in the door and has proven to be very successful. Businesseve been running this competition for over ten years and each year without fail the winning business has traded brilliantly at the market, so much so that many previous winners have continued to trade each year.’’ 

This year’s judging panel will include media partner Q Radio presenter Jordan Arnold, Fiona Liversidge who looks after Tourism NI’s International Marketing and PR and Market Place Europe’s Managing Director Allan Hartwell. The judges are on the lookout for eye-catching, exciting and creative products.

Q Radio presenter Jordan Arnold said:

“I’m thrilled to join this year’s judging panel to help find the next big name in small business and uncover some of the region’s most exciting entrepreneurs. I would encourage every small business owner from right across Northern Ireland to apply and make their business dreams come true this Christmas. With local and international traders all under one roof, Belfast Christmas Market is a fantastic place to tick off that all-important shopping list, so I’ll be looking for a business that stands out with something really unique that I can give as a gift this year. As an advocate for inspirational women, I’ll also be looking out for the best submissions from female entrepreneurs. Who knows, they could soon be my guest on Q Radio’s Girl Talk!”

Previous winners of the competition, include OutsideIn, Belfast Beard Company and Wave The Animals, all of whom reported great sales and an increase in awareness of their products, vital to success in the early stages of growth.

If you think you have a jolly good product that visitors to the Belfast Christmas Market will enjoy, we want to hear from you, download the application pack now. Interested businesses should submit a short written application, supported by a  2-minute video telling the judges about themselves and their products. Full details of the competition can be found at www.marketplaceeurope.co.uk/news

Belfast Christmas Market will open at 12 noon on the 18th of November.

Opening hours are:

Monday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm

Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm

Sunday 12noon – 6pm

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Antrim

Make a Fairy House at the Family Pottery Class, Island Arts Centre! Interactive, creative fun for all the family. Enjoy getting stuck into wonderful tactile clay and experiment with shapes and forms in a sharing, welcoming environment.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Summer in the City!  Summer in the City hosts free pop-up events and activities for all ages in Armagh city centre every Saturday throughout Summer.  Starting on Saturday 22nd July until Saturday 9th September 2023 express yourself with cultural experiences, feed your curiosity or take some time out to refresh and rewind.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

The 17th Belfast Mela Festival, sponsored by Sensata Technologies, celebrating Northern Ireland’s growing cultural diversity starts on Saturday 19 August with a spectacular FREE Mela Carnival through Belfast City Centre.

Find out more HERE

Down

The return of the Wake the Giant Festival, the perfect reason to visit the charming town of Warrenpoint!  Nestled on the picturesque shores of Carlingford Lough, Warrenpoint is a town steeped in history and culture, and the annual Wake the Giant Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience it all.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Join Geopark guide Andy for a two hour walk around the beautiful Benaughlin mountain to explore the early Christin Heritage of the area. See the stunning geology, flora and fauna of this historic site.  Suitable for those with reasonable fitness, (Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) If you need to cancel, please contact us 24 hours in advance of the event time.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company will teach a fun and inclusive dance workshop inspired by the World Illustration Awards Exhibition allowing you to tell a story with movement at the Roe Valley Arts Centre. For children 7-12.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Ulster Orchestra “On Your Doorstep”.  It’s become a favourite summer performance of the Ulster Orchestra and this year’s concert has a flavour of the silver screen, as the Orchestra perform much-loved film music from the likes of Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Incredibles and more. They will also take you on a whirl round Europe with some toe-tapping dance music, inspired by folk music from Hungary and Czechia.

Find out more HERE

 

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Killyhelvin Hotel, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

Enjoy a restful two-night weekend break overlooking the beautiful waters of Lough Erne from £250pps. Wake up to a hearty breakfast, then take to the water and explore Devenish, the Marble Arch Caves or go for a wander around Castle Coole. Relax later in the hotel’s Health Club including Indoor Swimming Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, Jacuzzi and Outdoor Hot Tub, overlooking Lough Erne. After a day full of activities, enjoy a four-course dinner on an evening of your choice. Visit https://www.killyhevlin.com/ for more information.

 

 

Hilton at Kingfisher Country Estate, Templepatrick, County Antrim

Enjoy a country escape in this 220-acre parkland, just twenty minutes from Belfast City centre.  Have a round of golf thrown in at the recently improved 18-hole Templepatrick Golf Club. If you don’t fancy golf, lift your racket, and have a game of tennis on the courts or just relax in the Halycon Health Club. An overnight stay in the refurbished comfort of Hilton hotel with complimentary use of the Halcyon Health Club from £140pps B&B. Please quote Discover NI Play and Stay when booking. Visit https://www.kingfishercountryestate.com/ for more information.

 

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 21 – 27 August

  1. Paws for Nature at Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down, 26-27 August. Get ready to unleash a weekend of tail-wagging fun celebrating all things canine. There’s a whole range of doggy activities with tasty treats from artisan dog bakers, doggy apparel to kit out your pooch in the latest fashion and expert advice from trainers. There will also be friendly dog charities on the day to provide information on supporting furry friends in the area.
  2. Ould Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 26-27 August. The country’s oldest fair returns to the beautiful seaside resort of Ballycastle with another fabulous programme full of events. The Naturally North Coast and Glen’s Artisan Market features local fresh produce, quirky handmade crafts, and fine art. Sample the iconic classics of Yellow Man and Dulce while savouring the atmosphere of this horse-trading village which will be transformed with stalls and visitors as far as the eye can see.
  3. Clearer Water Antrim Coast Half Marathon, Larne, County Antrim, 27 August. The Clearer Water Antrim Coast Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile road race, held on the last Bank holiday in August. Starting at the beginning of the iconic Antrim Coast Road, the course sweeps into Larne Harbour offering not just one of the most beautiful but one of the fastest half marathons in the world. In addition to the main event there’s a one-mile street race for adults and children.
  4. Hilden Beer & Music Festival, Lambeg, County Antrim, 25-27 August. Set in the picturesque Georgian setting of Hilden House and its surrounding grounds, festival goers can choose for over 40 beers and ciders while enjoying a brilliant line-up of musicians offering rock, blues, folk, bluegrass, and traditional Irish talent. Explore the local artisan food stalls and sample the very best from Northern Ireland’s craft breweries whilst talking to the brewers who make them.
  5. The Stand-Up Session, Armagh, County Armagh, 26 August. The Market Place Theatre Stand-Up Sessions continue to have audiences rolling in the aisles with another evening of side-splitting comedy genius. Enjoy sets from hilarious local stand-up comedians Ian Thomson, Andrew Ryan, Luke McGibbon, and Bronagh Diamond for everything from politics to parenthood. This is one lineup not to miss!
  6. Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone,12 August. Journey back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, from Ulster to America. Enjoy a fun family day out set amid 90 acres, with over forty buildings of exhibits dedicated to the story of Irish emigration. It details rural life here and in frontier America in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Costumed guides help bring history to life with demonstrations like spinning, open fire cooking and candle dipping.
  7. Belfast Mela, Belfast, County Antrim, 21-27 August. This multi-cultural festival kicks off with a spectacular Carnival Parade through the streets of Belfast. Watch the city’s Botanic Gardens become a wonderland of colour, culture, and creativity. Embrace this lively festival of music, dance theatre, wellbeing, and food. There’s everything from tea walking tours to yoga.
  8. The 10th Anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 25-27 August. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney, a special weekend of events will take place at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, to celebrate his legacy. Whilst poetry aptly provides the focal point for the weekend, a wonderful blend of music and film will also be on offer, in what promises to be a reflective celebration of Seamus Heaney’s life and work. Paul Muldoon, Ireland Chair of Poetry, will open proceedings with a reading.
  9. Twilight Tour at Castle Coole, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 25 August. Step back in time at Castle Coole, one of Ireland’s finest Neo-classic houses, for an exclusive evening exploring the Mansion where the 2nd Earl and his family lived there. Experience the stately grandeur of this stunning 18th-century mansion set in a beautiful, wooded landscape park during twilight. The tour will kick off with a drink’s reception on arrival, finishing with wine and cheese in the historic kitchen.
  10. Emerge, Belfast, County Antrim,26-27 August. EMERGE Musical Festival is back this bank holiday weekend bringing some of the world’s biggest dance acts to Belfast. Following a sell-out inaugural year, it promises to be bigger, better, and bolder. Homegrown talent will be at the core of a line-up across 4 stages encompassing more than 50 acts, as they appear alongside the best breaking acts from the burgeoning international electronic music scene. This year’s headliners include Bicep and Charlotte De Whitte along with local acts like Rebuke.

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

 

Belfast Mind Coach Says “Parents Should Look After Their Mental Health During The Summer Holidays”

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While the summer holidays are intended as a relieving respite for your young ones, it might not feel quite the same for you. 

Gone are the scheduled six to seven hours of childcare each day, homework to occupy your children in the evenings, and after-school clubs to keep them stimulated. 

Now you need to think about summer schemes, day camps, or child minders, which can be an added financial burden and requires extra coordination when it comes to lifts, daily routines and much more.

According to Sam Barr of Healthy Mind Coaching and Training many parents have the added pressure of having to “plan out a fun summer holiday with the family and dealing with the added financial costs, not to mention new summer clothing to beat the heat (or the rain) in addition to all of the transport and accommodation costs”.

Sam explained that, for many parents, even if their children are older and in their teens usually the childcare stress is replaced by other stressors.

He said: “Many teenagers are in transitional periods from getting used to ‘big school’ to getting ready to study for GCSE or A-Levels, or waiting for results for important exams.

“Not just that moving from primary to secondary school and secondary to further education can cause a wealth of anxiety and stress in both parents and children.”

One thing Sam said is important for parents is to take a step back off the hamster wheel and put into place some coping strategies to help your family have a less-stressful summer.

Here are Sam’s top tips:

  1. Accept that you can’t be a ‘perfect’ parent

Sam said: “Often, parents feel guilty that they are failing their kids in some way or worry that the decisions they make are the wrong ones. However, in trying to be a perfect parent, you may be harming your own mental health and the mental health of your children.” 

According to Psychology Today, an intensive parenting style and child-centrism is associated with increased stress and depression in parents.

Sam added: “Don’t feel guilty about having to work when your children are off – space and independence is great for your child’s development, especially if that time is spent socialising with other children at summer schemes, or even their own siblings.”

  1. Get in touch with your problem-solving side

Following on from accepting you don’t have to be a perfect parent, Sam said your sense of empathy could be the thing that is stressing you out. 

“If your child is going through a difficult or stressful transition period, you may be experiencing ‘affective empathy’, feeling your child’s pain and spiking your cortisol levels as a result,” he said.

While empathising with your children is a positive thing, another type of empathy known as ‘cognitive empathy’ involves taking another person’s perspective and imagining what would make them feel better. 

In one study, mothers who emphasised the cognitive empathy route showed the least stress reactivity during decision making. We don’t have to live our children’s feelings to be sensitive to them. And this is important to bear in mind for our next tip.

  1. Consider other perspectives

Sam said that: “ultimately stressful things happen and there is no way to totally avoid them.” However, he explained that you can manage your stress better by reconsidering the situation from a new angle or perspective. 

“If your child is acting out, it is often a product of their developmental stage and lack of skills or knowledge rather than intentional misbehaviour” said Sam.

Psychological research finds that parents who are able to view their child’s behaviour like this experience less stress. Getting them into a new hobby could help this behaviour and allow them to channel their energy into something productive. 

  1. Seek out social connections

Support from family members, friends, and other parents can have a big impact on the mental and emotional wellbeing of parents. 

Social support allows you to build a web of connections to help you when you’re in need – maybe your sibling can pick the kids up while you’re at an appointment, or another parent can schedule a playdate to give you a Saturday off, which you can later return the favour for. 

Sam said: “It’s important to try to make connections with people that understand you, and you’ll be less afraid to reach out for help. You may be surprised by just how much other parents or friends are happy to help out.

“You can reach out to other parents at your child’s school or summer scheme, find local parenting groups, or try out a new hobby that involves other people, such as a night class or sporting club.”

  1. Seek professional support

If you’ve become totally overwhelmed by the stress of parenting, you should consider seeking a consultation with a mental health professional. Similarly, if you think your teen is feeling overwhelmed it could be worth considering coaching for them.

Therapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), is very effective at reducing stress and anxiety symptoms, as a therapist can teach you effective methods for managing your negative emotions.

For many struggling parents getting time to themselves and time to step away from the chaotic and busy life can be hard. Taking a little time out each week to focus on yourself and your own mental health can have a huge impact when feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

Sam explained: “For many people it’s hard to see things objectively when they’re immersed in a crisis or a stressful situation. Sometimes ‘getting through it’ is all we can think about.

“When clients come to me for mindset coaching I work with them to create coping strategies and to recognise important triggers of stress and anxiety. Sometimes all they need is that time away to be able to focus on their own mental and emotional health and resilience.”

  1. Budget for more time

Time pressure affects everyone, but it can particularly affect parents. Young children take longer to react and longer to learn, so understand that your little one is not intentionally going slow.

“Many families would benefit from adjusted expectations for time-frames,” said Sam, adding: “If you’re planning on taking your kids out to an activity or on holiday, start preparations as early as you can, sometimes a lot of stress is created from unrealistic expectations of other people. Try to be realistic about what your family can achieve in comparison to your expectations.”

  1. Get comfortable in nature

If you can’t afford a summer holiday this year, there are other avenues you can go down, said Sam. 

“Nature is great for stress-busting, and some much needed outdoor time away from all-consuming screens can boost family bonding while lowering your stress levels,” he added.

“Spending time outdoors can reduce tension, anger, confusion, and depression, in addition to cortisol levels, multiple studies have found.”

Through Healthy Mind Coaching, Sam offers services to help you improve your wellbeing, particularly during times of stress or difficulty. Healthy Mind Coaching offers one-to-one sessions designed to help you overcome your current challenges or frustrations, and enable you to live a more positive lifestyle by providing strategies designed to challenge and overcome negative thoughts and unhelpful feelings. 

It starts by working on the present in order to empower you for the future, prioritising your mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Healthy Mind Coaching offers a free 20 minute consultation for you to see how they can work with you to achieve your goals and aspirations.

Learn more about Healthy Mind Coaching and Training by calling Sam today on 07906 869616 or go to healthymindcoaching.co.uk

 

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