By Esinam Asima
The countdown to summer holiday begins! As some may say, ‘Summer is a state of mind’ and after a long year, I am sure we are all ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the well-deserved summer break. According to a survey I conducted, around 83.3% of people in our school go on holiday during summer. Therefore, it is accurate to say that many of you may be planning to go on holiday with family and friends, or just have a staycation in the UK. Wherever you are over summer, here are Top 10 Ideas for a Memorable Summer Holiday.
Recording the events.
Whether it is digitally or physically, it is important to record the activities of your summer. You may make a scrapbook or even make a digital collage. Maya Angelou said that “The memories we create are the threads that weave the tapestry of our lives” and she was right in the sense that when you look back on these memories of each summer, you have a sense of nostalgia and it is a great way to look back on your past and see how far you have come. Moreover, scrapbooking has many other benefits since it helps with the digital detox which is a form of self-care.
Late ‘spring cleaning.’
It is not too late to clean the mountain of clothes that has been growing during the school year. In fact, this late ‘spring cleaning’ increases a sense of control, which enhances your creativity and problem-solving skills. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that cleaning can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by up to 27%.
Sports.
Not only is playing sports a great way to connect with friends, family, or like-minded individuals who share similar interests, but sports also allow you to maintain your physical health. Engaging in sports over summer can also improve your technique and enhance your overall performance for preparation for the next season of sports. In my survey, 91.7% of people stated that they continue physical activity over summer and the benefits are evident upon returning to school in September.
Digital detox.
Being away from a screen for a while or setting a timer for screen time limit can help improve mental health since excessive phone usage has been linked to depression, loneliness and decreased self-esteem. Digital detoxes also promote ideas such as spending time with family and engaging with your surroundings. In my survey, around 50% of people said that they do not set a time limit for their phones whilst on holiday.
Setting goals and routine.
Setting goals for the summer such as learning a new language, improving a skill or trying a new hobby can help you step outside of your comfort zone and develop as a person. Personal growth goals could include learning a new language or skill, reading a certain number of books or improving physical fitness. When making these goals, whether personal or creative, make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound.