A great summer doesn’t just happen to you… you make it happen.
As the school year comes to an end, many kids and teens look forward to summer break. However, the transition from a structured school schedule to a more relaxed summer routine can sometimes be challenging.
Use these tips to make it a smooth transition:
1. Give Yourself Time to Adjust. Try not to put pressure on yourself to have every day planned out right away. Instead, focus on making small changes and establishing habits gradually as you settle into the change.
Try This: At the end of each day, write down one thing you enjoyed about your day, and one thing you are looking forward to tomorrow.
2. Maintain Some Structure. While summer offers more freedom, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, meal times, and daily activities can help provide stability.
Try This: Choose one part of your routine (like wake-up time or dinner time) and try to keep it consistent most days of the week.
3. Set Small Goals. Whether it is reading a certain number of books, learning a new skill, volunteering, or spending time with friends or family, setting goals weekly can create a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Try This: Pick one goal for the week and keep track of it in a Note app, sticky note, or calendar reminder.
Bonus: Tell a friend your goal and ask them to check with you at the end of the week!
4. Stay Connected. School often provides built-in social interactions. Remember to make an effort to stay in touch with friends or participate in community activities throughout the summer.
Try This: Reach out to one friend this week to plan a walk, game night, movie, or another fun activity together.
5. Prioritize Balance. A fulfilling summer includes a mix of fun, relaxation, and meaningful activities. Make time for hobbies, outdoor adventures, exercise, social activities, and downtime. While it can be tempting to spend extra time on screens, balancing screen time and other activities can help you stay engaged and recharged this summer break.
Try This: Create a simple summer checklist that includes one outdoor activity, one social activity, and one relaxing activity each week. Limit your screen time to 2 hours per day, so you can do all of the other things that will make you feel truly happy!
Here’s to Your Well Being (and to a great summer!),
Melissa Barry, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
