How Coast Life Can Help Aid Burnout
Life has been a little crazy lately, to say the least. Readjusting to post-pandemic life has been somewhat tricky for many of us and quite unexpectedly, there’s been lingering feelings of lockdown nostalgia.
Since “returning to normality”, there’s a certain sense of reminiscence for the slower pace of life we experienced during those tough times. We’re all missing the freedom we felt during the months of having no social commitments, we’re pining for those stress-free days when we didn’t have to worry about the school run and we’re longing for a break from the hectic schedule we seem to have jumped straight back into.
Now we’re not saying that we would ever wish to return to those times, just that we’re all feeling a heightened appreciation for a few select aspects of life that lockdown brought us. Life seems particularly busy at the moment, right? Is this caused by the extreme contrast between life then and now? Who knows.
If you’re reading this thinking you’re the only one to feel this way, or perhaps you’re one of few, that’s not the case. Many of us are in the same boat. But what can we do to combat this feeling of burnout and stress? We have a few ideas that we hope will help you out.
Here at Coastal Cottages, our team all live and work by the coast meaning we know a thing or two about the positive effects of life by the seaside and how spending a little time in our neck of the woods might just prove helpful in relieving some of those burnout feelings. But don’t just trust us on this, no no.
This summer, we commissioned a special survey to find out how you were feeling and what you think might help. Spoiler, it turns out that a little jaunt to the Pembrokeshire coast might just be the solution.
Some might argue you could go to any coastline but let’s be honest, why would you want to when Pembrokeshire is right here? No two parts of the coast are the same and quite frankly, we don’t think there’s another stretch that could rival the splendour of ours.
So what did you guys have to say? You’re feeling stressed and anxious and burnout - we hear you. A relaxing holiday is one of the first things suggested when you’re in need of a little R+R but travelling abroad has been somewhat nerve-wracking in itself with around half of you concerned about airport queues and flight cancellations; we’ve all read the horror stories from the airports this year.
That’s where we come in then, a no-fly staycation in the UK forgoes all such worries whilst also being a greener option for travel, even if you’re driving. These days though, with electric cars and various public transport options, the carbon footprint is significantly lesser than when you fly.
Many of you said that long walks help to ease those overwhelming feelings of stress, whilst nearly 50% of you like to immerse yourself in nature and some 37% of people surveyed find that spending more quality time with family can help. A cottage holiday in Pembrokeshire can tick all those boxes for you and if you’re unaware of what the region can offer you, our Concierge team can help point you in the right direction for walking routes and destinations brimming with wildlife and wide open spaces.
When you strip it back, Pembrokeshire can offer you almost everything your foreign holidays can (albeit with some temperamental weather at times!). Nearly four-fifths of you stated that you could do with recharging by the seaside, well we have 186 miles of coastline which is sprinkled with award-winning beaches. Ever paid a visit to Barafundle Beach? Spend a day there and then try to tell us it’s not as good as those abroad - it’s been listed as one of the best alongside the likes of Bondi in Australia!
Over 80% of you claim the sea air has positive effects on your well-being with a further two thirds of you saying that a change of scenery can do wonders. Nearly 60% favour coastal walks as the best way to ease the mind whilst almost 40% declare that walking barefoot in the sand can help those troubles to melt away. Plan a trip to Pembrokeshire and you could spend every morning and afternoon on a different beach or travel the entire coastline in twelve days, the recommended journey time for those planning to hike the whole trail.
An astonishing 57% of you miss quite how much alone time you enjoyed during lockdown, so perhaps two or three days at the seaside by yourself is what you need? Check out our autumn issue of Coastal Life for top tips for solo travelling in this region, we’ve even highlighted some fantastic properties you might like too. (Don’t worry, you can bring your dog too if you want!)
Of course, these feelings of stress and burnout aren’t just caused by work life. The change of circumstances to our home life is also having an impact. For instance, two-fifths of you claim to resent housework nowadays; it’s just another headache. Well, a week away in a cottage means a week you won’t have to tidy your own house; let our brilliant housekeeping teams do that for you before you arrive and after you depart. Don’t fancy doing the washing up after cooking one evening? Let us arrange an evening of private dining where our chef comes to you to cook, serve and clean up after.
With various commitments to juggle such as work, family life and social obligations; it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed sometimes. An escape to the coast might be just what you need to recharge.
