Take care of your mental health during summer break

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Who doesn’t love summer? Longer sunny days, outdoor activities, cottaging and camping, sports, social events, and relaxing and enjoying life. And for students, no homework. What could be better?

Summer trouble

For some children and young people who live with mental health concerns, summertime can be challenging. The disruption in routine and a loss of structure can affect anyone. But young people who live with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or other health concerns can be seriously affected. Changes in sleep and eating habits can have big impacts.  Less structured days can lend themselves to spending too much time online and can aggravate an unhealthy attachment to social media.

Students may feel the loss of socializing with friends and peers during the summer break. Their health status might prevent them from participating in some social activities. Some may be hampered by finances, limiting their ability to participate in things that interest them. It’s not uncommon for young people to avoid some kinds of activities because of the discomfort they feel about their physical appearance. All of these challenging situations can lead to isolation,  loneliness, and poor mental health.

Tips for summertime wellness

Simple but effective ideas to help anyone maintain their mental wellness during the summer:

• Go outside and get plenty of fresh air
• Adopt or keep up a schedule of regular exercise
• Eat a nutritious diet and regulate your eating schedule
• Get enough sleep
• Stay in touch with friends
• Keep up with medication as prescribed
• Maintain therapy or counseling sessions
• Limit the time spent on social media and screen time
• Join a summer camp, volunteer, or get a job
• Get involved with social activities on a regular basis, such as sports, cultural activities, or hobby clubs

Summertime can be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable times of the year. Embrace these healthy habits and let the sun shine in!