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Tips for Managing Mental Health Over the Holidays

As the holidays begin, it’s the perfect time to rest, reflect, and reconnect. While this season is often a time of joy, it’s also important to acknowledge that disrupted routines, increased social pressures, and downtime can sometimes feel overwhelming for young people.

 

At school, we’ve worked with students to equip them with strategies for maintaining their mental health during the break. Here’s a summary of what we’ve discussed and some practical tips on how you can reinforce these strategies at home

 

Tips for Managing Mental Health Over the Holidays

Maintaining a Routine: A balance of rest, responsibilities, and fun keeps their days feeling purposeful and supports overall wellbeing. Even a loose structure, like a morning walk or a family meal, provides a sense of stability.

Balancing Downtime and Social Time: Both are crucial for recharging and nurturing relationships. We’ve encouraged students to listen to their energy levels—enjoy social activities but take breaks when needed to avoid burnout.

Prioritising Sleep: Consistent sleep of at least 8–10 hours per night is vital for emotional and physical health. Avoiding late nights and long sleep-ins will also make the transition back to school smoother.

Digital Detoxing: Reducing screen time can improve focus and boost mood. Encouraging non-digital activities, like board games, reading, or art, helps students stay present and reduces the risk of tech overwhelm.

Fostering Healthy Habits: Simple activities like outdoor walks, shared meals, or a creative project naturally boost brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which help with stabilising mood. 

How Parents Can Play a Role

Be Present: Create moments for genuine connection and open conversations about how they’re feeling. Show curiosity about their interests and experiences.

Model Self-Care: Demonstrate healthy habits like taking breaks from technology, practicing mindfulness, and prioritising exercise or relaxation. Your actions provide a powerful example.

Stay Attuned: Be mindful of changes in mood, sleep, or appetite, which might indicate your child is struggling. Reassure them it’s okay to seek help if they feel overwhelmed.

Where to Turn for Support

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, there are plenty of resources available:

  • Parentline: 1300 30 1300 – A confidential parenting advice service.
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 – 24/7 free support for young people.
  • ReachOut: https://parents.au.reachout.com/ - resources for Parents & Carers
  • GP: Great starting points for discussing mental health concerns.
  • CYMHS (Child and Youth Mental Health Services): Specialist services for more complex needs.
  • MyMtA: The counselling team have left resources for self-care, anxiety and sleep under the ‘Educational Wellbeing’ tab on MyMtA for students and parents to access as needed over the break. You will find a file called ‘Managing Mental Health over the School Holidays’. 

As we close the school year, let’s embrace this season as an opportunity to slow down and prioritize connection, kindness, and joy. 

Wishing you and your family a peaceful and restorative holiday season.

 

SchoolTV – your free wellbeing hub developed specifically for today’s parents

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