Taking Time for Self-Care This Summer

Dear York Prep Students & Families,                                                                            
 
Congratulations on making it through another school year! When faced with adversity, you demonstrated resilience and stayed the course. We are so proud of the hard work and commitment you displayed this year. Now that finals are behind us and summer is upon us, it’s time for some much needed self care. It’s vital to your well being that you take this time to rest, recharge and be intentional about taking care of yourself. The practices we cultivate in the summer months prepare us for the year ahead and can also be called upon when the deadlines and stressors of school resurface. Unsure of where or how to get started? Here is a list of suggestions you can try. We encourage you to incorporate at least one if not all of these practices into your daily routine.

1. Transfer treatment to accommodate your summer schedule
If you are in therapy or some type or treatment at school, it’s important to think about what you will do over the summer. Talk with your therapist or other provider about what they think is best for you. There are different options available when it comes to transferring treatment such as: video or phone sessions with current provider, find a therapist where you are going if you’re traveling or doing a summer program or take a break from therapy for the summer months

2. Get a job/internship, take a class, or volunteer
Apply to jobs! Look for internships! These are great ways to get money and/or experience during the summer. It gets you out of the house and gives you something to work towards, since you don’t have classes hanging over your head now. Your summer job does not need to be what you want to be doing for the rest of your life, it’s just something to do for now. Of course, getting jobs and internships can be really hard. So if you’re out of luck there, see if you can take a class online or at a local college. If that doesn’t work either, volunteering is always a great option. You can find an organization that works in a field you are passionate about, whether that be mental health, health care, homelessness, animals, education, and more.

3. Make a schedule
Schedules will give your summer structure. You don’t need to make it specific and detailed (unless you want to) when it comes to summer. Think of your schedule as guidelines or a plan for the day or week. Schedule blocks of time to read or watch TV, to go out with friends, to eat, sleep, exercise, etc. The goal is to give your days some structure so that you don’t get that “lost” feeling. Knowing that tomorrow you have at least 2-3 things planned, even if you’re the only person involved in the activity, can be beneficial.

4. Eat regularly, drink water, get outside, and sleep
Don’t forget to eat! It’s best to eat throughout the day — three meals plus snacks. If you’re in recovery from an eating disorder, stick to your meal plan. Make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need and that you are hydrating yourself. It’s especially important to drink a lot of water in the heat of the summer. While it can be easy to sit inside all day, try to get outside, even if you just go lay in the grass and read a book. The sunlight can be good for your mood and it’s great to be active outside. It’s also tempting to stay up really late and sleep in. While this is OK to an extent, it’s important to try to stay on a sleeping schedule to keep yourself regulated. Sleep affects our bodies and minds much more than we realize!

5. Do things you’ve been wanting or needing to do
We all have those DIY projects we’ve been meaning to get to, tasks we want to accomplish, and a list of things we want to do when we have free time. Well, guess what? Summer = free time! Read those books. Learn to crochet or knit. Make a piece of clothing. Make some art. Write a book. Re-purpose that chair. Plant those flowers. Dye your hair. Seek inspiration on Pinterest if you need it.

6. Reach out to friends and family
Let friends and family know if you’re struggling or if you need extra support. Even if you’re not struggling, text a friend to hang out. Sometimes we wait for the other person to reach out to us first, but what if they’re doing that same thing? Then there will be no texting and no hanging out because you both were waiting for the other one to do it first.
Wishing you a happy, healthy summer!

Warmly,
Ms. Aiello & Ms. Evelyn
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