For most young people, the coming of summer signals the start of better days. Without school and unpleasant weather, kids and teenagers can enjoy themselves the most out of any other season. Generally, when young people disengage from their typical responsibilities, they become happier in return. Yet, this is not true for all youth.
Summer is widely associated with relaxation and fun activities, but some kids and teenagers suffer during the season. What the general public may not realize is that the summer season can trigger negative patterns of behaviour, and poor mindsets in young people. Youth who spend the summer out of school can struggle with adjusting to a new routine, and even develop common symptoms of depression and anxiety because of this.
Downtime in the summer also allows young people to take up negative habits quickly. Staying inside all day, consuming unhealthy amounts of online content, and avoiding social interaction are harmful habits which youth develop easily. Without the structure of school or seasonal extracurriculars, kids and teenagers find themselves unmotivated to lead healthy lives.
Slipping into poor habits may seem hard to avoid in the summer, but it does not need to be this way much longer. If you are a young person looking to put your mental and physical health first, look no further. Below are various ways to maintain your mind and body this season through self-care.
5 Methods of Self-care for the Summer:
Go outside at least once a day
For most kids and teenagers, being home for the summer means staying inside often, usually in their bedroom. Relaxing is important for self-care, but staying in bed all day can pose undesirable effects on your mental and even physical health. While it is not necessary to stay active at all times, allow yourself the opportunity to leave the house at least once every day. By taking a walk or reading outside, you can enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful weather. Instead of staying inside for multiple hours, being outdoors can mentally recharge you, and physically refresh your system.
Create a list of must-do activities
It is no secret that summer opens the door for you to explore a variety of seasonal activities. Self-care is all about putting your interests first and finding ways to incorporate them into your life. This summer, take the opportunity to research exciting day trips in your area. Depending on where you live, this could include going to the beach, visiting a zoo, or even an amusement park. Whatever you may be interested in, write your options down and encourage those around you to come along for the journey. After all, summer pastimes are best enjoyed with company.
Join a local group or extracurricular
During summer, you may find yourself somewhat lost and unmotivated due to being separated from the hobbies you practice during the school year. A great way to practice self-care this season can be researching local extracurriculars that run during the summer. Nearby community centres and facilities usually offer summer programs in various areas of interest, such as sports, the arts, and even science. If you find yourself missing your school’s glee club or math league, look for recreational alternatives. By doing this, you will also have the opportunity to boost your social interactions by meeting people with similar interests.
Designate an “unplug hour”
Young people of the modern age are tapping into technology more than ever before. Being off of school can result in increased online activity as a way to avoid boredom. There is no harm in playing your favourite video game on a rainy day, or video chatting with friends, but youth mental health suffers from overconsumption. Scrolling for hours online commonly leads to self-confidence, as youth compare themselves to those on their algorithm. To avoid developing a negative self-image this summer, practice self-care by participating in an “unplug hour.” Simply designate a single hour every day when you do not interact with the internet in any way. Disconnecting temporarily from the online world allows you to take a break from the toxic ways that the internet affects kids and teens.
Listen to more music
Listening to music is an excellent form of self-care, as it can reduce the effects of anxiety and depression symptoms in young people. If you find yourself experiencing negative or fearful thoughts during summer downtime, a proactive method to distract your brain is by engaging with music. Listening to music often can be a way to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and cope with negative mental health. Summer downtime allows you to discover new artists and musicians you may have never heard of previously. It is especially beneficial to your mental health to listen to musicians that sing about positivity and self-love, such as pop-rock ensemble Girl Pow-R.
The reputation of summer as a carefree time for young people may be common in society, but it is not always true. As mentioned above, kids and teenagers can be prone to mental health issues in the summer for numerous reasons. Being out of their usual routine, having too much free time at home, and constant internet access are only a few examples of what can cause a dip in the well-being of young people.
The main way to avoid falling into toxic cycles this summer is by taking up self-care to cope with your issues. There are accessible options for everyone to try out, such as being outdoors often and eliminating internet use for one hour daily. Listening to music is also an important factor of self-care, as it provides relief from negative mindsets. If you or your child are looking for more ways to create positive changes, check out how Girl Pow-R strengthens the confidence of young people. Through music, dancing, and online materials, Girl Pow-R promotes self-care in every sense of the term. To learn more, visit Girl Pow-R’s official website or contact info(at)girlpow-r.com.