Embracing the summer slowdown

The best thing I learned from three years living in Brussels? How to take a TOTAL break during the summer holidays.

Belgians take summer vacation seriously, whether they work in an office or own a business.

Cafes, restaurants and shops often close their doors for a whole month (or longer) without worrying about annoying their customers (after all, they’ll be away at the beach too!)

Office workers down tools without stressing about who’ll pick up the slack in their absence. Usually the answer is…no one! Nobody’s generating work when you’re all away.

There’s none of the nonsense out-of-office email auto-responses you might see in the UK or US, meekly stating that you’ll “have intermittent email access” and might be slower to reply than usual.

Reply??!! What?? EU OOO replies are unapologetic in simply telling the receiver that they aren’t there and they won’t be answering.

Half the time they don’t even list a return date or alternative contact (again, the assumption is everyone’s off enjoying themselves, so why on earth would you be emailing…?)

Okay, I’m not suggesting you do that (little-known fact: you can be helpful in your OOO response while maintaining personal boundaries and wellbeing!)

But why not go all-in on taking a break, without guilt?

I’m going to practice what I preach by taking a well-deserved Substack break in August, to restore, rejuvenate and recharge my creative batteries.

Thanks to the wonders of technology, this doesn’t mean radio silence. Unless you want it to: mute notifications, ignore your inbox, whatever works for you.

If you do want to hear from me, have no fear, I’ve been a busy bee scheduling posts, so you’ll continue to receive them, though maybe less frequently.

You can expect:

• Weekly Monday Magic prompts to help you start your week with intention. Don’t fancy reading? Listen to the voiceover with my still partly Norn-Irish lilt.

• My monthly Wellbeing Wednesday resources-round-up, in case you need some TLC or a permission slip to put yourself first.

• Several Weekend Reads. These might be essays, round-ups of favourites from the archives, or workshop replays. Whatever I think you’ll enjoy!

If you’re craving some me-time, connection, or an excuse to get away from the kids (joking! or am I…?), I’ll be holding three of my regular Gentle Gatherings (Bloom & Grow wellbeing workshops are paused until September).

Consider this your warm invitation to join me. 💕

Check the full Gentle Gatherings schedule for the rest of 2026.

Sign up on Luma, and check your time zone here.

Focus & Flourish is a supportive co-working space for focus, connection, and getting things done. Join us on Tuesday 11th August 16:00-17:00 UK time.

Bring whatever you’d like to work on. Maybe a craft project, a Substack post to write, or some pesky life admin to complete. All are welcome!

Personally, in summer break spirit, I’ll be bringing something fun and creative to play with. Maybe one of my favourite Johanna Basford colouring books.

Pause Together is our calm and caring circle where we slow down, breathe and practice mindfulness in community.

Even brief bursts of mindfulness can benefit our wellbeing, so Pause Together sessions are short and sweet (15-30 minutes), with busy lives in mind.

Join us on Sunday 26th July and Sunday 30th August at 16:00 UK time.

Daily meditation is one of my wellbeing non-negotiables, so I’m very happy to guide you through a short practice if you’d like to join me during the holidays.

Whatever your summer plans (or winter for down under), I hope you’ll have the chance for a proper, restorative break.

If you’re taking time away from work, I urge you to fully embrace switching off, without worrying about your inbox or social media. We all need down time, and you deserve it!

I might see you in the comments in between digital detoxing - if I’m slower than usual at replying, that’s why. But I’d love to hear from you if you feel like chatting!

Wishing you a wonderful, rejuvenating holiday, wherever you are. 💕

• When did you last properly switch off from work? What helped you do this?

• What stops you stepping away from your inbox? How could you change this?

• What wellbeing commitments will you make yourself this summer?

• What support do you need from others to enable you to take a break?

• A restorative summer break would look like…

• This holiday, I will do X for myself, because…

If you enjoyed this post, please comment, like or share with others. Thanks for your support! ✨

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