Summer vacation is long anticipated by most people, but especially for those in a school setting, like students and educators. Summertime brings about the promise of warmth and relaxation. However, for some, it has the potential to bring about feelings of being overwhelmed or losing control.

Make mental and physical health a priority this summer by taking steps each day to really tap into what it is you want and need from the day. Here are some self-care tips and tricks for the summer:

• Get outside! Exposure to natural sunlight increases levels of vitamin D and serotonin, which are known to boost your mood.
• Maintain a healthy sleep schedule. 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night is ideal.
• Stay physically active by picking one activity each day; go to the gym, take a walk outside, do some yoga, etc.
• Plan a trip! Whether it's to the zoo, to the park, to the library, or a weekend getaway... give yourself one adventure to look forward to each week.
• Take a social media vacation whether it be one day, two days, or even a week.
• Drink lots of water; water has been shown to have natural calming properties.
• Learn something new! Sign up for a local community class or find a video on YouTube to learn new skills or hobbies.

And if you're doing year-round schooling or still homeschooling over the summer, take a peek at our "sun" videos. These are a good way to tie science in with your summertime activities.

We hope you and your students enjoy all that summer has to offer! As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air."