Public Schools of Robeson County Mental Health Minute
Mental Health and Wellness
Self-Care Summer
Summer months can mean extended hours, flexible schedules, or opportunities to boost our mood through maintaining mental health. Having students establish a summer self-care plan can provide gains in the fall as they return to school. We can be creative in learning new tips or improving those that have been effective. According to research, exposure to natural sunlight increases levels of vitamin D and serotonin linked to increase our mood, so a quick walk around the house, street, block, or neighborhood would be a simple beginning to improve mental health. A few additional tips are listed for beginners:
- Pick a night each week for family dinner
- Try a new hobby
- Start with 2 minutes of mediation daily
- Check in through journaling
- Watch a sunset or sunrise
- Connect deeply with a friend or family member
- Leave your phone on the docking station one time a week, day or hour
- Get active
Often, we get busy with the extra time provided in the summer and fill it will task. We overlook the need to remain positive and take care of ourselves. This is also true for students on summer break. Camps can keep them active and engaged but if they are home for the summer create a space or routine that can be carried into their adult years as well. Provide grace and forgiveness to yourself daily, you’re doing a great job.
Happy Mental Health,
Jadell Dial Hawks, Ed.S, MA, NBCT
Director of Student Support Services
Resource: https://www.ochealthpsych.com/5-tips-to-boost-summer-mental-health/