We are smack in the middle of the best season of the year! Time to begin the summer holidays and soak up the sun!

Though, we know these school-free weeks can feel long, and if you’re like many parents and guardians, you’re looking for some fresh ideas to make this school holiday one to remember.

So, how do you get to the end of the holidays in one piece? Read more below

Never fear when aloe vera’s here! It’s inevitable that sometime this summer someone in the house is going to get a sunburn. Freeze aloe vera in ice trays for an instant solution for sunburn.

Forts can be fun outside, too. When the kids need a break from the sun, suspend a big sheet from a tree and there you have it, a cool place to chill and play.

If possible, sign your kids up to a summer camp. This is a great way to keep them busy and shake up the long weeks. While away at camp, they are at a safe environment creating memories, having fun, developing social skills, meeting new friends and experiencing more of the outdoors.

Not only do they benefit your kids, but it means you have FREEDOM! For a little while at least! This is your chance to do what you want, kid-free!

Have a wonderful summer break, from the Proton team

Looking after yourself is so important at all times! However, when you’ve got the added pressure of revising and sitting your exams, you can easily forget to take care of yourself.

It’s crucial to practice self-care to help you manage your stress, improve your productivity, and maintain your physical and mental health. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup!

We’ve put together some tips to help you make yourself a priority, avoid burnout, and make self-care a part of your exam routine.

1. Get a Good Sleep 

Being well rested is so important when you are revising for your exams. As part of your study plan, try to ensure you get enough sleep throughout this busy time. Resting well will help you feel your best.

2. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated

Yes, this is easier said than done, but the better you eat, the better you’ll feel. Avoid eating sugary snacks. Instead, choose options that give you longer lasting energy. Basically, don’t rely on chocolate to fuel you during the exam period!

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You’ll notice a huge difference in your focus and energy levels. Keeping a water bottle by your side helps!

3. Keep Moving

A healthy body goes hand in hand with a healthy mind.

It doesn’t have to be complicated; go for a quick run or take a walk. Not only will some exercise give your brain a break, you’ll get your daily dose of vitamin D and some fresh air.

4. Don’t Use Your Phone Before Bed

It’s tempting. Hop into pyjamas, flip the lights off, crawl into bed and then … reach for your phone.

Did you know that being on your phone within an hour of going to bed makes you 3x times as likely to get less than five hours of sleep? (www.sleepfoundation.org).

The blue light emitted from your device will disturb your sleep. Make it a habit to leave your phone outside of your bedroom.

5. Plan Your Time and Take Breaks

Stepping away from your revision could be exactly what you need to be able to do your work more productively. It’s easy to think you’ll get it finished quicker if you just sit down and power through it.

However, taking regular breaks will actually help you more in the long run. Treat revision as a marathon, not a sprint.

Plan fun activities for your intervals. This will help refresh your mind and stay focused when resuming your studies. 

Remember to also treat yourself kindly during exam time. If you find this difficult, imagine you’re talking to your best friend and the advice and encouragement you would give them. 
 
Your best is more than good enough. Always try to remind yourself of that!

Exam season is well and truly in full swing!

The sun is starting to shine; summer is almost within your grasp. In fact, maybe for some of your friends’ summer has already started!

But to you, summer may feel pretty far away! Will you ever make it to summer? Will you ever finish your exams? Is summer even real? Yes, Yes and YES!

Here are a few tips to get you through exam season and ready for your best summer yet.

*Weather not guaranteed.

• One step at a time

You’re not doing all your exams at the same time on the same day. Don’t try to think about every exam. Make a plan, write out a schedule and get ready for each exam one at a time.

• Talk

If you’re struggling, if you’re thriving or if you’re somewhere in between – Talk! Talk to your friends, your family members, a professional or trusted adult. Be honest – tell them where you’re really at.

• Break Well

Take breaks from revising, studying and working. Go for a walk, play a sport, read a book. Give your brain a break. To have a break you have to first be doing something to break from!

• Remember Who You Are!

Lastly, and perhaps the most important of all, remember you are not defined by your results, achievements or grades.

Summer’s coming! Stick in there, take one step at a time, talk about how you’re feeling and where your heads at, rest well, enjoy the journey and never forget your results don’t define you.