As the School Based Youth Health Nurse, I work with the school community to promote health and wellbeing, create a supportive, healthy school environment and connect people with other support services. We’re at the end of Term 1 and it’s time to enjoy the holidays.

Headspace has some great ways to support students during the holiday period.

1. Encourage to stay connected – It’s okay to take time out for themselves, but it’s also important to keep in contact with friends over the holidays. Social relationships are important for general wellbeing. Whether it’s in person or a phone call, email, text message or with social media, it all helps with that connection.
2. Encourage to stay involved – Being involved in hobbies, clubs, committees, volunteering or sports helps young people feel connected to their community. At home involving them in decisions such as what to have for dinner and helping to make it, helps identify and set realistic goals.
3. Encourage physical activity – It’s important for everyone’s health and wellbeing. Even just walking around the block can help relieve stress and improve mood.
4. Encourage a regular routine – Getting a good night’s sleep is important for young people to feel energised, focused and motivated. By waking up around the same time each day and going to bed around the same time each night helps maintain their “body clock “.
5. Encourage healthy eating habits - Eating well helps reduce the risk of physical health problems, like heart disease and diabetes, it can also help with sleeping patterns, energy levels, mood, and general health and wellbeing. A good balanced diet with less junk food/ lots of sugars and more vegies, fruit, whole grains and plenty of water will ensure your young person has all of the vitamins and minerals to help their body and brain function well.
6. Encourage to have fun - Making time to just have fun can help to recharge your young person’s battery, revitalise their social networks and reduce stress and anxiety.

For further information please see www.headspace.org.au and for activities within the region visit www.tr.qld.gov.au

Also don’t forget to be SUNSAFE, wear a hat and put on sunscreen and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Angela Kain
School Based Youth Health Nurse
Working Mon, Tues, Wed & every second Thursday based in the Support Hub