It’s hard to think about unwinding when the stresses of everyday life, be it in our province, country or the world, is taking its toll. And learning how to relax, can be difficult too.

Holidays give us the chance to leave the day-to-day stresses of life behind. But for many of us who get back from a break, you feel more stressed than before you left.

The goal here is to relax, refresh, and rewind to maintain your health and decompress, giving your body and mind a well-deserved break.

Granny Mouse Country House & Spa’s General Manager, Sean Granger, has a few good tips to share to ensure you enjoy your time away. With a few strategies in place, you can make your next vacation a more relaxing experience:

1. Make sure you plan a schedule around relaxing. Having an itinerary is fine, but it’s also imperative to build free time into your schedule. Downtime is a precious commodity – use it to take a nap, read a chapter from a good book, or just sit in the garden and take in the sights and sounds of nature.
2. Make sure you have sorted out all your work commitments, so it doesn’t infringe on your break. We understand that you can’t completely cut off work-related communication, as it’s not realistic. If you cannot completely shut off, then set times in the day to check your emails and respond to anything urgent. Once done, set work aside for your own mental health.
3. Try and stay off the cellphone and switch off your alerts for all message apps and social media. Try initiate a full-on tech detox, and dedicate time to the real world. Look for technology-free entertainment alternatives.
4. Relax! If crowded places make you anxious, rather enjoy a day at the spa, or enjoy the countryside and explore in nature. The holiday is just as much for you as it is for your family or partner. A glass of wine or a mocktail at sunset is best enjoyed absorbed in the moment, and may be a little daunting at first but after a short while, it is nothing short of magical.
5. Read that book, and an early night or two definitely contributes to a good wind down. Apparently there is research from Sussex University that reading a book can reduce stress by up to 68% in just 6 minutes.
6. Once more, we encourage you to step outdoors, take a morning walk and let it be part of your holiday morning ritual. It’s a great way to clear your head and restore mental clarity. Some activity gives the body and mind a boost.
7. Good food is another way to relax & unwind, and if you’re at the “Mouse House”, you’ve come to the right place. It has some of the finest food available and offers two dining restaurants, with their Culinary Artist making up most fresh, unique creations. We all can admit that some of the fondest memories we have were times spent around a table, sharing great food and conversation with family or close friends.
8. If possible, stop “clock-watching” and just forget about the time as it can control our lives extensively. Remember, this is a break so take advantage of it.
   
9. Once the holiday is over, take one day to just chill at home. This is really the best idea before getting back into those early morning wake-ups and the working hours ahead.

So pack those bags, head up to Granny Mouse Country House & Spa and take that time for you and Relax. Go to www.grannymouse.co.za to find out more.

South Africa is generally dry and temperatures can escalate quickly. However, every province seems to come with its own climate, and when wanting to get your lawn into “ship shape” there are a few grasses that are hardy and able to take a beating.

When planting grass remember to consider grasses that are indigenous and water-wise outside of expected rain season, especially out here in the Midlands, says Sean Granger, General Manager of Granny Mouse Country House & Spa.

Here are a few options to consider when looking to purchase and plant grass:

• LM Berea is indigenous to South Africa and found in KZN and through to Mozambique. This particular grass performs really well in shady to semi-shaded spaces, but does also thrive in the sun. The name derives from the former name of Maputo (Lourenco Marques) and Berea which is a well-known suburb in eThekwini. It’s extremely heat-tolerant and recovers well after a drought, or extremely hot days. This grass can grow well from seed and grows via creeping habits.

• For bigger landscaping areas, Princess Grass is an indigenous fine-textured grass variety. It is often used for sports fields and golf course fairways. It grows very well in full sun, is drought, heat and wear resistant, making for easy maintenance.

• Buffalo Grass is indigenous and water-wise, and the beauty of it is it is also tolerant to sun and semi shade. It’s a perennial creeper and grows naturally in most coastal areas, including the Cape region. This grass tends to form a dense, coarse, matt look and the leaves are prominently flat. They also grow in many different types of soil and inlands make up much of lawns.

• Another option is Kikuyu Grass, which originates from Kenya and is named after the Kikuyu people. It is a popular, affordable choice. It does need more water than the above grass cultivars but grows incredibly quickly. It feels soft underfoot and is bright green in colour. This grass also grows well with LM Berea and can be combined.

Another great tip for summer sun lawns is to get yourself a good lawn mower. But don’t overdue the cutting, as shearing too short will expose the roots, and your grass roots will then be unable to absorb sufficient amounts of water and nutrients. Also, don’t waste your lawn cuttings, but rather use them for food for roses as well as a fantastic base for compost. It’s a cost effective way of feeding your garden. Supplement that with organic waste from your kitchen, that of vegetable peelings (not onion), eggshells and even coffee grinds that are rich in nutrients and easy on your wallet.

Each of the above grass options are different in growth patterns, and are not the same, so when selecting your grass, remember to research the best way to take care of your lawn for many years to come.

If you need inspiration, what better place to visit than Granny Mouse, where our lawns are nurtured, respected and loved. For more information on your first or even next visit contact us on www.grannymouse.co.za