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The summer holidays are here! Usually, I like to make lots of plans and keep us all busy throughout the six weeks off. This year though our word for the season is RELAX. Everyone (including children and teens) has gone through so much during the last seventeen months and it’s naturally taken its toll. In the Young Minds Covid-19 Summer 2020 Survey, “80% of respondents agreed that the coronavirus pandemic had made their mental health worse. 41% said it had made their mental health “much worse”, up from 32% in the previous survey in March. This was often related to increased feelings of anxiety, isolation, a loss of coping mechanisms, or a loss of motivation.”
Although most schools have managed to remain open for much of the past year, it’s still been very different from the normal experience. Teachers found that it took a long time for pupils to adjust to returning to school. Students suffered in different ways, from feeling behind as they struggled to keep up with school work when learning at home or from succeeding at home but then finding it hard to adapt and concentrate in a busy, noisy school environment. On top of that, they’ve had to deal with bubbles, social distancing, wearing masks, and taking regular rapid lateral flow tests. Our younger generation has missed out on socialising, important milestones, school trips, and residentials and so many of the highlights of their youth – I’ve been impressed with their resilience during this time. I’ve not heard one young person complain about the sacrifices they have made. However, for many, anxiety levels have been high, whether pupils have worried about coronavirus in general or suffering from social anxiety after lockdown.
Catching Up
When children “miss out” on schooling, there is the tendency to want them to “catch up” but it’s important that students are emotionally ready before they start to learn. I think allowing pupils the full summer holidays, as usual, was the right decision. Take this time to allow them to relax so they can return refreshed and prepared for school, college, or university in September.
Take a look at these tips for a relaxing summer holiday:
1. Prepare
As soon as the kids break up for the summer holidays we throw the uniforms in the wash, unpack the schoolbags and then relax for a few days- they need it!
However, for many pupils knowing they are prepared is an important element of being able to relax during this break. So, make sure you and your teen:
- write dates for the Autumn Term on the calendar and in both your diaries
- prepare (buy if needed) the uniform, school shoes and school bag for September
- look in the school diary for any summer homework tasks, reading list or revision timetable for GCSE/A level students and put aside one off or regular time for this to be completed.
- make a list of realistic goals you want to achieve during during this break (such as “go camping”, “visit a particular place” or “meet (a certain) friend” and begin to plan them.
2. Relax
As mentioned above, your teen will most likely have a reading list, school tasks, and revision to complete during this time. You’ll also have places you want to visit and people you want to see. But remember to set aside time to purely relax too. A day with no “to do ” list. You don’t have to go somewhere or do something every day.
3. Get Fresh Air
Even on a lazy stay-at-home day, make sure your teen gets fresh air and their daily dose of vitamin D. Meet a friend and chat outdoors, go for a walk (walk the dog if you have one), read a good book/ listen to tunes in the sun or just sit outside in the garden or yard for lunch and tea or even just a cuppa. On more active days, do a physical activity such as a run, swim, or cycle. The exercise burns off the ‘stress hormone cortisol, which helps the body relax.
4. Comfy Clothes
Investing in comfy teens for your teen can really help them to relax. Rebecca loves her skirts, dresses, and different fashion looks but she always has a selection of high-waisted joggers to choose from as they are so comfortable and also look great. She looks pretty in pink in these light pink cuff joggers- Lizzie (currently £11.99). Grey loungewear sets are also perfect to relax in. Now the sun’s shining vest and short Co-Ord Sets are ideal to (excuse the pun) chill out in.
5. Pamper Day/Night
When teens are stressed they can forget to look after themselves. As well as encouraging them to drink water and eat healthy foods, remind them to pamper themselves. They could have a hot bubble bath, deep condition their hair, and apply a face mask. Have a home manicure and pedicure and apply a nourishing body lotion all over for smooth skin. A pamper session can also be a great distraction technique if your teen gets Sunday night anxiety when it’s time to go back to school in September.
6. Family Time
It’s important to spend time with family during the holidays. If you’re busy working long hours plan some “one to one” and family time with your teen. Make sure there are plenty of opportunities available for them to talk to you if they need to whether it’s in the car on a road trip, around the dining table, or in a quiet place with no distractions. Take them to see members of the extended family too, to remind them they have people outside the family home who also love and cherish them.
7. See a Friend
If your teen is lucky enough to live close to their friend, then that’s great. If your teen lives further away from their friends or needs help planning social activities, then arrange for them to be able to meet with their friends regularly throughout the holidays.
8. Practice Mindfullness
Research shows that teens who practice mindfulness regularly, have lower levels of anxiety and depression, therefore it’s important to encourage them to be mindful. During the summer holidays put together a box of screen-free mindfulness resources that they can dip into, this could include:
- Journal or scrapbook making craft supplies
- Puzzle books, such as suduko and crosswords
- Mindfulness colouring in books
- A book of meditations for teens
- Mindful crafts: crochet, cross stitch etc
9. A Good Book
Aside from the books listed on their reading list, go to the library and borrow a few good books for summer.
10. Movie Night
Make a list of movies that you want to watch together this summer, that way you won’t waste precious family time deciding what to watch. Make a hot chocolate, fill cartons/bowls full of popcorn, grab a blanket and cosy up and watch a film together.
I hope these tips help and your teen manages to unwind and relax this summer!
Femme Luxe Summary
Yet again, we are impressed with our Femme Luxe order. The joggers came a few days after ordering and as you can see were of great quality. Free UK delivery is available on all UK orders over £25 (order before midnight for next day delivery). There is currently an up to 80% off sale. Get an extra 15% off all items by using the code HEAT at the checkout. Students, apprentices, and all under 25s can get an extra 20% off everything. All prices are a guide and correct at the time of publishing.
How will you relax this summer? What clothes do you like to relax in?
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