Here are six ways to keep you and your kids' mental health strong as summer settles in.
We all love the feeling of freedom that comes with summer. There are pool parties and vacations and longer days filled with sunshine. But sometimes, the lack of routine and structure that comes along with the summer months can take a toll. The good news is, there are things we can do to take care of ourselves during these less structured months. Here are six ways to help maintain your mental health as summer settles in.
Create Routines for Home and Stick to Them
Without the school day to keep things structured, it can be easy for parents and kids to fall out of their usual habits. Keeping up with regular routines at home around sleep, meals and screentime will help you stay grounded.
No alarm clock might mean you stay up later or sleep more than you otherwise would. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s important to be consistent. Try maintaining a regular bedtime and aiming for at least eight hours of sleep, even when you don’t have to be up early the next day.
Healthy eating habits are equally important for our emotional wellbeing. When we’re spending long days traveling or out by the pool, we can forget to eat or opt for snacking over sitting down for a meal. But maintaining regular meal routines and getting the nutrients our bodies need supports both our physical and our mental health.
Extra free time can also easily slip into extra screen time. Monitor how much time you and your kids are scrolling or streaming on those hot days when you’re stuck inside. Try to balance screen time with family activities that promote movement and connection.
Set Summer Goals and Things to Look Forward To
Setting goals can create some structure for both you and your kids. Talk to your kids about what they’d like to accomplish while they're out of school. Helping kids set summer goals provides them, and you, with something to look forward to. Maybe there’s something you could do together. Take an art class, learn a new skill together, or complete our Changemaker’s Summer Reading Challenge along with your kids.
Looking forward to a positive experience is another way to keep that momentum going during the slower season. Plan a vacation, or take a trip somewhere close by that you’ve never been, even if that means just visiting a new restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Novelty helps spark creativity and boosts your mood.
Stay Moving and Active
It might be tempting to spend the summer inside on the couch binge-watching your favorite shows, but staying active is an important part of supporting our mental health. Exercise releases endorphins that help reduce stress and promote a greater sense of welling. So, take a walk as a family, go for a swim, or have a picnic.
And, if it’s too hot to go outside, you can still find ways to move indoors. Practice yoga or dance around your living room. Even small moments of movement can affect your mental health in a positive way. The easiest way to incorporate more movement into your day is to do things you truly enjoy doing. That way, it doesn’t feel like work, but like you’re taking time to add more fun and play into your day.
Spend Time with Nature (Even Indoors)
Speaking of going outside, this is one of the best ways to experience the benefits of nature on your mental health. Even when it’s hot, try to find ways to engage with the outdoors while staying cool. Hit the pool or go to a splash pad.
We know there may be times when it truly is too hot to go outside. But don’t worry, there are lots of ways to get the benefits of nature indoors. Incorporating natural light, plants, outdoor sounds, and even a quiet moment by a window can lower stress, improve focus, and give us a break from the constant stimulation of everyday life.
Stay Connected with Friends and Family
It might be tempting to stay alone inside to avoid the heat, but staying connected with friends and family is fundamental to keeping our mental health strong. Move things inside if possible and try to keep scheduled engagements, even when it’s hot outside, to maintain your regular routines and avoid social isolation.
This is especially true for children who are used to spending so much time with their peers during the school day. Kids need activities to keep those social connections strong throughout the summer, so consider enrolling them in a camp, participating in a community activity, or scheduling a playdate. This will keep them entertained and keep you from hearing them say “I’m bored” all summer long.
Don’t Forget to Really Rest
One of the best things we can do for our mental health is to prioritize rest. And often, summertime gives us the perfect opportunity. It’s an excuse to slow down and enjoy doing less. See a movie, read a book or spend a quiet afternoon at home as a family. Taking time to recharge and rest gives our brains and bodies time to recover from life’s daily demands.
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