Advantages of Summer Vacation on Adolescents' Psychological Well-being
Summer break is more than just a time for relaxation and leisure. It plays a crucial role in supporting the mental health and well-being of students, offering a much-needed respite from the academic pressures that accumulate during the school year.
The break from the constant deadlines, tests, and performance evaluations during the school year can significantly reduce chronic stress and prevent burnout. This relief from the "hamster wheel" of continuous evaluation allows emotional resilience to recover, enabling students to return to school with renewed energy and fresh perspectives [1][5].
The absence of early morning alarms and packed schedules during summer also contributes to improved sleep duration and quality, which is strongly linked to better mood and cognitive function [1].
Outdoor activities and unstructured play, often referred to as "green exercise," are particularly beneficial. Spending time outdoors significantly elevates mood, reduces stress, and sharpens focus, contributing positively to mental health [1].
Moreover, summer offers an opportunity for reflection, self-evaluation, and mental health treatment for those facing challenges. For many, this critical "reset" period can help break negative cycles that may persist during the school year [3].
Engaging in new, constructive experiences during summer also releases dopamine and promotes neuroplasticity, fostering well-being and cognitive adaptability. Relaxation, social relationships, and flexible time also help recalibrate the nervous system after a stressful academic year [5].
The shift from structured school days to flexible summer schedules creates space for restorative activities, allowing students to pursue creative outlets such as art, reading, or journaling, which support mood and mental flexibility during summer [2].
Social bonding activities, such as family reunions, playdates, and group camps, help maintain social bonds during summer, further supporting mental health and well-being [4].
It's important to note that mental health days, where kids prioritise rest and emotional check-ins, can be beneficial during summer as well. A flexible but regular schedule supports emotional stability during this period [6].
In conclusion, the combination of stress relief, emotional renewal, improved sleep, physical activity, creative stimulation, and mental health opportunities makes summer break a vital component of student wellness, supported by research and expert insights [1][3][5].
For those experiencing summer stress or mental health struggles, professional help is available. Our website offers resources in psychiatry and mental health therapy to get started on your mental health journey [7]. We encourage everyone to prioritise their mental health during this important break.
References:
[1] American Psychological Association. (2019). Stress in America: The impact of stress on teenagers. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2019/teenagers
[2] American Psychological Association. (2021). The importance of creative outlets for mental health. https://www.apa.org/topics/creativity/mental-health
[3] National Association of School Psychologists. (2021). The role of summer break in student mental health. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-psychology-in-practice/the-role-of-summer-break-in-student-mental-health
[4] National Recreation and Park Association. (2021). The benefits of parks and recreation for mental health. https://www.nrpa.org/advocacy/research/mental-health-benefits-of-parks-and-recreation/
[5] University of California, Berkeley. (2018). The science of relaxation: The effects of relaxation on the brain. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_science_of_relaxation_the_effects_of_relaxation_on_the_brain
[6] Child Mind Institute. (2021). The benefits of mental health days for kids. https://childmind.org/article/the-benefits-of-mental-health-days-for-kids/
[7] Mental Health America. (2021). Find a mental health professional. https://www.mhanational.org/find-mental-health-professional
- The break during summer aids in the development of cognitive function and mood, due to improved sleep quality, which is strongly linked to increased cognitive performance [1].
- Moreover, summer provides an opportunity for students to focus on health-and-wellness activities like mental-health therapy and self-evaluation, fostering emotional resilience and contributing positively to long-term mental health [3].
