The lives of many young people can seem to be scheduled for every minute of the day. Sometimes this looks like sports or music lessons after school and by the time the weekend arrives, there are more events such as family gatherings, birthday parties and even more extra curricula activities. As an adult and parent, the booked up life can leave me feeling exhausted, stressed and grumpy. When I start to feel this way, I start to make time to stop and relax. How could this be any different for our kids?

Down time is not something that just happens. It needs to be worked into our lives and the importance of such time needs to be understood. A hectic busy schedule does not just affect us psychologically, but also can take on a physical manifestation and affect the way we sleep and also how we respond to others. A recent article discussed the concept of sleep deprivation in young people and explained, “kids who don’t get enough sleep are often irritable, forgetful and have difficulties with emotional regulation.” Although this described the effects of sleep deprivation on young people, I am certain that any parent could remember back to having a new born baby at home and feeling the similar affects!

For students to rest effectively, the time leading up to sleep needs to be regulated as this helps to promote healthy sleep habits. It can be tricky to think about ways to promote down time, so here are three ideas to get you started:

Cutting back on activities
We want the best for our kids, however a full schedule day after day that has music practice, sports practice and other lessons can create an overwhelming timetable and lead to burnout. Cutting back on some activities helps to create down time and can promote a healthier lifestyle and mindset.
Creating space
Rest takes time and we must create space for this in our busy lives. Brief days off snatched here and there don’t allow us to to affectively rest and recuperate. We need time and space. This is the same for kids. Creating space will look different for every family. Having screen free time two hours before bed would not only help to support healthy sleep habits but also help to create a quiet environment at home leading up to a time of rest.
Getting outside
It is amazing what a simple walk outside can do to your mental health. A walk not only promotes an active lifestyle but can also help to encourage conversation at the end of the day and can further help to release that last little bit of energy that a young person might have stored!

From a Biblical perspective, we read throughout God’s word that He promises to provide rest when we seek Him with our hearts and place Him at the centre of our lives. We can feel encouraged by this in Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Laura Ferguson - Academic Coordinator