Kids look forward to summer and a break from the school routine. But this can be stressful for parents, whether it’s managing childcare or finding things for the kids to do during the day.
Parents who balance work and family will split their attention between work and care, often with the added guilt of not being present to spend quality time during the break. Adding fuel to the fire, the financial strain of paying for summer activities can add to load. Juggling everything can erode emotional well-being and lead to burnout.
So when it comes to lightening the Summer load, the key is to plan ahead.
- Figure out key dates, vacations, camps, social time, family visits and childcare. Write it all down to keep everyone in the loop and reduce the number of times each person will ask what’s on each day!
- Involve your kids in the planning process. If possible, have an open chat with your kids to get their input and help them to feel that they have some ownership over their plans and when you'll be around.
- Remember to take care of yourself, especially when time is tight. Whether it’s morning exercise, a moment to unwind in the evening, or some social time, it’s important to take small self-care breaks.
- Ask friends and family for help when you need it. You can't pour from an empty cup, so fill yours when you can!
Realistic expectations and planning will reduce overwhelm and help you to feel like you’re in control so that you can enjoy the summer!
Know your mind: A quick check-in
The key to feeling better is to understand your mind. Take a moment to check in on your mental well-being today with a quick assessment1, courtesy of our partner Pfizer Hong Kong. The bite-sized scoring, backed by Pfizer's scientific research, gives you an instant look into your current mental health.
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?2
1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Not at all [0 pts]
Several days [1 pts]
More than half the days [2 pts]
Nearly every day [3 pts]
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Not at all [0 pts]
Several days [1 pts]
More than half the days [2 pts]
Nearly every day [3 pts]
3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Not at all [0 pts]
Several days [1 pts]
More than half the days [2 pts]
Nearly every day [3 pts]
4. Feeling tired or having little energy
Not at all [0 pts]
Several days [1 pts]
More than half the days [2 pts]
Nearly every day [3 pts]
5. Poor appetite or overeating
Not at all [0 pts]
Several days [1 pts]
More than half the days [2 pts]
Nearly every day [3 pts]
6. Feeling bad about yourself or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
Not at all [0 pts]
Several days [1 pts]
More than half the days [2 pts]
Nearly every day [3 pts]
7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
Not at all [0 pts]
Several days [1 pts]
More than half the days [2 pts]
Nearly every day [3 pts]
8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed. Or the opposite, being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual
Not at all [0 pts]
Several days [1 pts]
More than half the days [2 pts]
Nearly every day [3 pts]
9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself
Not at all [0 pts]
Several days [1 pts]
More than half the days [2 pts]
Nearly every day [3 pts]
10. If you checked off any problems, how difficult have these problems made it for you to do your work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people?
☐ Not difficult at all
☐ Somewhat difficult
☐ Very difficult
☐ Extremely difficult
Interpret your total score
- Score below 5: You’re doing great! Keep it up.
- Score between 5 and 9: It’s all right. Take proactive approach towards nurturing a balanced mind. Start forming a healthier routine by incorporating simple practices like breathing exercises and mindfulness to manage daily pressures, or chat with a qualified mind health coach for guidance in finding balance and relieving stress. You can practice these simply through the 'Mind Charger' and 'Mind Healer' features on our Emma By AXA.
- Score more than 10: Consider professional support to improve, and know we're right here with you! Our extensive mind health network comprises professionals dedicated to providing medical care for your mental well-being, from qualified general practitioners with psychology backgrounds to psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. Accessing this support is simple. Use the "Find a Doctor > Mind Health" feature on our Emma By AXA.
Don't hesitate to reach out and take the steps to look after your mental health.
Source: Employee Benefits & Wellness Discovery June volume
1 Pristiq Hong Kong. (n.d.). Mental health life. Retrieved from https://www.pristiq.com.hk/en/mental-health-care-questions
2 Kroenke K, et al, J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606-613
Information and materials provided is general in nature and does not constitute medical or health advice from AXA Hong Kong and is on an “as is” and “as-available” basis without representation and/or warranty of any kind, either express or implied. While AXA Hong Kong has taken reasonable care in providing such information and materials, they are not specific to your investment objective, financial situation, health or medical conditions or particular needs. No warranty or responsibility is assumed by AXA Hong Kong and our related or holding companies regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reasonableness, fitness for a purpose or free from computer viruses in connection with the information and materials provided. AXA Hong Kong and our related companies and holding companies do not accept any liability for any loss, damage, cost or other expense, whether wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, arising from any error, inaccuracy or omission of the information and materials to the extent that such liability is not excluded by law.
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