3 Great Ways to Maintain Routines during Summer Break

Summer break is in full swing and, for some parents, they’ve started the countdown to their child’s first day of school.

Without the routine and structure of going to school, summer break might not feel like a break at all. This can present stressful moments for both parent and child. Recent studies have found that having a normal daily rhythm can help diffuse stress and depression. Additionally, routines contribute to multiple health benefits and can improve an individual’s mood and cognitive functions.

There are several ways parents and children can incorporate and maintain healthy routines to help reduce stress during the summer break.

Bedtime

Time off from school doesn’t mean time off from sleep. Develop a bedtime routine during the summer break to help maintain balance and reduce stress.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), short sleep duration can be associated with greater likelihoods of frequent mental distress. The bedtime routine may vary depending on an individual’s age, but everyone needs sleep because it serves as the body’s reset button. A good night’s rest supports mental and emotional resilience.

Vacation

Unplugging from technology and spending quality time with loved ones can help shrink stress and anxiety, and it can boost the mental and physical health of the entire family.

Traditions and rituals like vacations enrich relationships and provide opportunities for family members to talk with one another, discover new interests, explore places together and create new memories.

Playtime

Playtime has powerful benefits for children and adults by providing life balance. Amid the hectic schedules and daily demands of life, take time out to play and enjoy the freedom from time, rules and responsibilities.

Children who see adults having fun, laughing and enjoying life can learn valuable lessons about their own lives. Many times, children communicate their thoughts and feelings through play more naturally than they do through verbal communication.

Routines let you know exactly what to expect, but they should be flexible and adjusted when necessary. Some stress is normal for everyone, but when stress constantly interrupts an individual’s daily life, professional help may be needed. Centerstone’s staff is trained to help individuals deal with stress in a healthy way and to incorporate routines tailored to an individual’s needs.

This summer break, assess which routines should be incorporated to make this summer an enjoyable one for you and your family.

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