5 everyday tips for a mentally healthy summer break
To help you prepare for a summer break that supports your family’s mental wellness, here are five everyday tips for taking care of your mental health:
Get Outside
Seek out sunshine and fresh air every day. Being outside in the sun, in green spaces, or in nature helps us to reduce stress and boost hormones that promote happiness. Consider getting out for a walk each day and taking a book or activity outside. Dress for the weather and enjoy the outdoors!
Get Active
Walk, stretch, run, hike, bike, swim, dance, jump rope, play a sport, or whatever else you like to do! Try to get moving for at least 60 minutes every day, or as much as you can. Exercise is important for our physical health and it can also help improve our mood, reduce stress, and help us sleep better at night. Find fun ways to exercise with others to stay motivated. Remember to go at your own pace.
Sleep Well, Eat Well
Children and teens need 10 hours of sleep each night for their bodies and minds to rest and restore. When we get lots of rest, eat a healthy diet, and drink lots of water, it helps our mood and we can think, learn, and act better. Try cooking together; this can be a fun way to share traditions, recipes, and favourite cultural foods.
Be Creative and Have Fun
Taking part in activities we enjoy can increase our feel-good hormone, dopamine, that boosts positive emotions. Spending time away from electronics can help encourage free time to play, have fun, and be creative. When we develop our talents and hobbies it can lead to feelings of accomplishment that boost our feelings of well-being. Have fun enjoying cultural music, dance, and art together
Keep Connected
Connecting to family, friends, and neighbours is important for our mental health. Schedule time with family members to check-in with each other, talk, and have fun together. Reach out to keep connected to loved ones and friends. Friendly chats with neighbours and volunteering to help others when we can, are also great ways to support our well-being, as well as those around us
Take care of yourself this summer – unplug and be in the moment, stay active, be outside in the sunshine and warm weather, keep connected and enjoy a mentally healthy summer break.