Summer Holidays: Self-Care Tips for Young People

Summer holidays can be both a positive and negative time for some people. Although summer may bring a break from studying, it can also mean a break from routine and socialising. Sometimes this can cause our mental health and wellbeing to decline.

We have put together some tips to help look after yourself over the summer time:

Physical wellbeing

• Are you moving enough? Exercise does not have to be about going to the gym. How about dancing around your bedroom? A walk in the park? Going for a bike ride? Exercise can help relieve tension and boost your mood. This can be done alone or with a friend or relative. Exercising several times a week can aid routine too.
• How is your diet? Making small healthier swaps rather than eating sugary, high calorie, food can improve your energy levels and increase wellbeing. Trying out new recipes or snacks, such as smoothies, is a fun way to try new healthier foods.
• Are you relaxing enough? Allowing yourself time for rest is important to give your mind and body a break from stress. Could you try a guided meditation online? Check out our Mindful March page here. Or you could do an online yoga tutorial. Relaxation could also be about giving yourself a break from technology, so putting your phone down for an hour and reading a book may benefit your wellbeing.

Social activities

• Are you reaching out to others? We may not all have friends nearby. Could you reach out via social media? Could you connect in a online support group, perhaps one of our peer supports groups?
• Could you join a new group? Is there a dance group, youth group or poetry group you could find in your area? Thinking about doing this may be daunting, especially if you are doing it alone, so getting in contact with the organiser first may help.
• Is there any community events happening in your area over the summer? Many areas have nature events, sports events or summer fayres that may need someone like you to help with the organisation.

Emotional

• Are you being kind to yourself? Often when we feel low in mood, our self-compassion also takes a hit. Try to focus on your positive qualities. What would you tell a friend who was being harsh on themselves? Think about how you can be kinder to yourself, such as, giving yourself a break or saying no to extra pressures.
• What are you grateful about in your life? Writing down three things every day you are grateful or happy about can re-focus our thoughts so we can see the positives in daily life.
• Are you surrounding yourself with people you feel good around? It is important we feel supported and comfortable around our friends. If we feel valued this increases our self-confidence.

Some more practical tips…

• Make a list of two or three things you would like to achieve the next day, such as ensuring you eat three meals a day and getting some fresh air for 30 minutes. Small, achievable goals are best.
• Try to ensure your morning routine is the same, such as, getting a shower, getting changed, eating breakfast. This routine will help your motivation for the rest of the day.
• Learn a new skill. This could be something you do on your own or with others. Ideas vary from creating a podcast, writing an article about something you are passionate about or learning a new language!

Find out more about our services for children and young people.