June is the time when summer is at its peak and all you want is to take a break from the scorching sun. This means – summer vacation for children. Kids always find ways to keep themselves busy, but what about young adults? Most of them are hooked to their gadgets, binge-watching, or playing games online. Clearly, this is not healthy for them. Yes, homework will keep them busy, but you should also encourage your child to engage in some summer hobbies for kids to boost their mental health.
There are outdoor activities that they can get busy with. If not then they can try out other options suggested by an expert. Health Shots connected with Mehezabin Dordi, Clinical Psychologist, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai to help you with summer hobbies that your child can try.
Summer hobbies for kids to improve mental health
Hiking or cycling can be great way to enjoy the summer holidays. It means going outside and enjoying nature while getting some exercise. Dordi says that from a mental health perspective, hiking can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-esteem.
Here are some more ideas for summer hobbies that your child can engage in:
1. Gardening
Gardening is a relaxing and rewarding hobby that can reduce stress and anxiety. It can also provide your child with a sense of accomplishment as plants grow and thrive under their care.
2. Creative hobbies
Don’t want your child to be exposed to heat? Let them engage in creative hobbies such as painting or drawing. These activities seem to be easy, but can actually help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The expert says that art can be a therapeutic hobby that promotes self-expression and creativity. It can also be a way to reduce stress and anxiety by providing a relaxing and meditative activity.
3. Yoga and meditation
Yoga is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety while improving flexibility and balance. It also promotes mindfulness, which can help young people stay present and focused.
4. Writing
Writing can be a therapeutic hobby that promotes self-reflection and self-expression. It can also improve cognitive function and reduce stress by providing a way to process and organise thoughts and emotions.
5. Reading
Reading takes you to another world and helps to improve cognitive function. It can also reduce stress and improve mental health by promoting relaxation.
6. Learning a new language
Learning a new language is a mentally stimulating hobby that can boost self-confidence and open up new opportunities for social connections and travel, says Dordi.
7. Volunteering
Volunteering not only helps others but it can also promote a sense of purpose and self-worth by giving back to the community. It can also help them build social connections and reduce stress by focusing on the needs of others.
8. Music
Playing an instrument or listening to music can be a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. So, you can suggest your child to learn how to play a piano, guitar or any musical instrument for better mental health.
9. Cooking
Cooking is not just a mother’s job. It is a creative and rewarding hobby that can be done by anybody. It can provide a sense of accomplishment and improve self-esteem. It can also reduce stress by providing a relaxing and meditative activity.
These activities can help to promote better mental health. Healthy hobbies are also important as engaging in physical activities such as sports, hiking, or dance can help young people maintain good physical health, which can reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases later in life. Participating in group activities can help young people to develop social skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. With so many benefits, there is no reason why your child shouldn’t pick up a healthy hobby this summer.
#summer #hobbies #kids #boost #mental #health
