How To Have Sober Summer Fun

 

Hope your summer is off to a great start! Summer Break is the perfect time for teens to relax and recharge after a stressful school year. InnerAct Alliance strives to help youth make educated decisions so they understand the risks associated with alcohol and substance use. We wish everyone a safe and happy summertime with the reminder that there are plenty of ways to celebrate substance-free. Continue making healthy choices and remember that the majority of 6th to 12th grade students in our county choose NOT to be involved with drugs or alcohol.

Here are some tips from youth drug prevention leaders at Vive18 to help teens make the most of their free time this summer:

*Learn a new skill - Now is the perfect time to explore things you normally don’t usually have time for during the school year! Want to learn coding or digital marketing? Try SkillTube. Brush up on language skills? Try Try Duolingo or edX. Or take some free classes from MIT.

*Volunteer – Volunteering can make you feel helpful and empowered. You can volunteer remotely, in-person, or either way. Simply Find a volunteer opportunity that fits with your strengths, interests, and availability. 

*Try a new hobby - Branch out and try something new like drawing, photography, a new board or video game, Zumba, or whatever you’ve been wanting to try.  

*Find balance – Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, outdoorsy or a homebody, find a good balance between indoor/outdoor and social/alone time. Only you know what environments you feel best in. Challenge yourself to know your limits and recharge the way you need to. 

*Practice self-care – Set aside time to take care of yourself. Find activities that make you feel your best such as meditation, journaling, skincare, spa days, listening to music, or watching favorite shows/movies. You deserve time to relax this summer and all year long. 

*Have an accountability buddy - If or when you go to parties, know that alcohol, drugs, or vaping could be present. Find a friend or “accountability buddy” beforehand so that you can help each other turn down offers and have sober fun. Saying no can be difficult sometimes, so click here for a few ways to say no comfortably and confidently.