Say Hello To Summer

How are you feeling heading into your summer this year? Does it look the same as last summer? Will it look different? The hope is that this summer will bring more time in the sun making more memories than last summer!

Even though summer hopefully will be more 'normal' than last year, you may still experience some challenges this summer, such as:

- Staying home alone

- Lack of routine

- Unable to see your friends every day

- Visiting/Living in a different place

- Grieving the loss of an event you were looking forward to

- Wishing for life to go back to "normal"

Some of these changes can seem overwhelming at times and it is important to know how to deal with these feelings so you can stay healthy and resilient.

• It is important to feel your feelings. Give yourself and others kindness and grace.
• We created this summer wellness plan to help you create a plan to stay healthy and resilient.
• Use all the resources available to you to make yours the best future possible.
• We wish you a happy and safe journey as you embark on your next adventure!

To find meal sites and view additional information, click LISD.net/summermeals. Additional resources can be found at LISD.net/resources.

LISD’s annual Back-to-School supply drive provides students in need with backpacks, supplies and resources to ensure a successful start to the school year.

To make a donation, become a sponsor, or register to receive supplies visit LISD.net/btss.

What is social connection? Social Connection is the feeling of closeness or belonging to an individual or a group of people. As humans, we are built to connect with others socially. In this new normal we have had to get creative with how we connect.

When you are looking for people to connect with, spend time with others that help you feel good about yourself. Avoid hanging out with those who make you feel insecure or encourage you to get into trouble.

Check out the video below on the importance of social connection and then check out some websites and ideas on how you can connect with others.

• Gather your friends for a game night
• Host a virtual movie night - pick a movie and then all watch online together
• Go retro and mail a letter to your friends
• Join a TikTok challenge like #safehands
• Follow your favorite music artist on Twitter or Instagram; they are probably having free online concerts!
• Create an online scrapbook with your fav photos of your friends
• Explore a new hobby on Youtube or Pinterest or an online class like Creative Bug
  

Join an online book club from your local library:

• City of Lewisville Library
• Flower Mound Library
• City of Carrollton Library
  
• The Colony Library

Check out your local Community Center for online or in-person options:

• City of Lewisville
• City of Flower Mound
• City of Carrollton
• The Colony

Diet and exercise have been shown to help keep teens resilient. Physical activity can be as effective as medications or therapy for overall well-being. Eating habits can also affect how you feel emotionally.

Studies show that exercise has the following benefits for mental health:

• Positively impacts levels of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mental health.
• Releases endorphins, the body's natural "happy chemicals."
• Lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol .
• Stimulates the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which improves mood.
• Increases self-esteem and body positivity.
• Helps teens sleep better.

• Core Power Yoga
  
• Nike Running Training Club
  
• No Days Off
  
• Lifetime Fitness
  
• Yoga Ed
  

Coping skills are tools you can use to help manage big emotions. Coping skills generally serve one or more of the following purposes:

• Self-soothing: engages the body's natural calming system
• Distraction: redirect to more pleasurable activities to decrease intensity of emotion
• Opposite action: engagement in an activity that generates an emotion or experience that is counter to the distressing one
• Emotional awareness: activities that promote emotional exploration and increase clarity
• Mindfulness: focus on being grounded in the present

You may be tempted to use alcohol or drugs in an effort to escape from your feelings and get temporary "mood boost”. In the long run, drinking and taking drugs will make you feel worse—not better.

Here are some ideas to help you cope - what can you add to our list??

• Positive self-talk

• Meditation

• List your strengths

• List your goals

• Journal

• Listen to music

• Distract yourself

• Draw

• Find a new band to listen to

• Have a digital detox

• Exercise

• Flip the script - do something in a different way

• Establish healthy boundaries

• Learn a new hobby - like coding - https://code.org/

• Online classes - like Creative Bug - https://www.creativebug.com/lib/thecolonypl

Mental health is the ability to maintain healthy emotions and relationships. Our mental health affects the way we think, feel, and act. Stress and worry can take a toll on anyone. If you’re dealing with relationship, friendship, or family problems, talk to an adult you trust. Here are some places you can go for help:

Local Counseling

• CCD Counseling 1-800-897-7068, does virtual appointments, offers 10 free sessions

Personal/Family Issues

• Schedule an appointment with your family doctor

For Emergencies

• Go to hospital ER or call 911

• MHMR Triage 1-800-762-0157

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

Coping Skills:

https://www.childrenscolorado.org/health-professionals/professional-resources/practice-update/coping-skills-stress-anxiety/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services:

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Mental Health Apps:

https://www.psycom.net/25-best-mental-health-apps

Additional Apps for Support:

• Suicide Safe
  

• Virtual Hope Box

• notOK

• Happify