Summer break is undoubtedly a time for relaxation and recharging after a busy school year. However, this time of year can also bring about stress and challenges. While staff will also take some much-deserved time off over summer break, IUSD offers a variety of resources to help support our students and families during the summer season with a focus on community connections and mental health and wellness.
Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness This Summer
While summer is a time for fun and adventure, it鈥檚 also important to care of your mental and emotional well-being. As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, we encourage you to keep in mind the tips below to ensure a summer filled with not just fun, but also mindfulness and wellness.
- Stay Connected: Strong relationships support mental health, especially in kids and teens. Learn more about聽summer classes and activities offered by the City of Irvine and the Irvine Public Schools Foundation.
- Regular Exercise: Whether you spend 15 minutes a day walking, an hour biking, or engaging in a team sport, any kind of physical activity will contribute to improved mood and wellness.
- Healthy Eating: A well-balanced diet, rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables, good carbs and lean proteins, is essential for proper nourishment and wellness.
- Unplug: Too much screen time, especially before bed, can disrupt sleep. Set limits and encourage screen-free time. Encourage children and teens to unplug and get outside or connect with family and friends.
- Practice Self-Care:聽Self-care is an intentional daily practice of caring for our mental, physical and emotional health, which is beneficial for children and parents alike. It can be as simple as taking one intentional breath in and out.
- Use Positive Self-Talk: Practicing positive self-talk can enhance one鈥檚 self-concept and overall outlook.
IUSD Resources
If needed this summer break, please visit our聽Mental Health 补苍诲听Counseling web pages. Both sites provide mental health and wellness resources and links to community services, including:
- Care Solace, a free and confidential service that connects families to outside mental health services.
- Hazel Health, a behavioral telehealth provider available to all K-12 IUSD students at no cost to families.
- Speak Up, We Care, a campaign as part of IUSD鈥檚 commitment to building positive mental health and wellness.
- Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, the system that enables students to seek support anonymously for themselves or friends.
Community Resources
The City of Irvine and the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) also provide valuable resources to support families during the summer. The city offers services through Childcare and Development. Explore聽 through Inside Irvine and discover the various聽. IPSF offers聽, where students can dive into passions, explore new interests and gear up for the next school year.
We hope you and your family find many wonderful moments of joy and relaxation this summer break.