Summer 2020: How To Stay Active in a World on Pause

by Ariana Lobo

With so much of our world in a state of instability and transition, the question remains: How do we structure our new normal? With approximately 56.6 million elementary, middle, and high school students now wrapping up their school year, the need for structure becomes even more important. Studies have also shown that the mental health of our children had a historic spike in 2019, and with current events, it has the potential to worsen. So the need for not only structure but healthy activity remains paramount to the emotional wellbeing of our youth. Below are just a few creative activities that both children and young people can use to remain engaged, continue to grow and learn, and maintain positive mental health this summer.

Visit Close Friends Safely

Current guidelines, according to the CDC, still instruct that individuals maintain a 6-foot radius between themselves and another person. Trends have sparked across the country to celebrate birthday parties, graduations, and even weddings from a respectable distance. The same guidelines can function for socializing with friends. Set up a date and time to gather, preferably outside, and set up spaces to enjoy conversation and interaction but from a safe distance! Get creative and enjoy the company of friends but continue practicing physical distancing!

Virtual Entertainment

Due to the current drastic changes, our world of entertainment has also drastically changed. We are no longer able to attend events like concerts or plays in the same manner as before. However, many companies have become more proactive in their response and are now offering virtual services. For example, the world-renowned Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in the UK recently streamed Hamlet for viewers to watch completely online. Although this kind of entertainment may be unique to children and adolescents, this content remains incredibly educational and entertaining to watch. Dare to expand your horizons and find out what other entertainment companies are doing to provide virtual entertainment, oftentimes for FREE!

The Great Outdoors

According to a 2016 study in the scientific Journal of Adolescence, researchers found that participants who spent consistent time outdoors experienced a significant increase in self-efficacy, mindfulness, and subjective well-being. They also found that time spent outdoors leads to a large reduction of the feelings of time pressure and lessened mental stress. Currently, our youth are experiencing extreme highs and lows. From the absence of their friends and outside relationships to the loss of their everyday routine, our children and adolescents need more mindfulness, more freedom from stress, and more peace than ever before. So capitalize on the summertime weather, and give your mental health the love and care it so deserves.

Foster A Pet

Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter the animal shelter system every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. With two to three months of summer now before us, the time to enjoy a new animal-friend presents itself. Time with animals has shown to reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and even alter our perception on pain. Children and adults alike can take advantage of this season and bring some much-needed love to an animals’ life through fostering.

Education

There still remains great uncertainty about the upcoming school year. However, the need to learn is important at any and all stages of our development. Students can still dual enroll with their community colleges to get ahead with college advancement. Additionally, many other platforms are expanding their educational reach and offering an array of classes. Masterclass, for example, a renowned online class platform, offers a wide selection of classes on topics ranging from interior design, beat-making, and producing to gardening. The school year may be over, but there is always time for learning and development! Read with your kids, take online classes or even explore an informative YouTube channel that teaches cooking, yoga, or even hula-hooping. Express your creativity and never stop learning!