If you’re anything like EVERY SINGLE teacher I know, you are more than ready for summer break! Especially after this hot mess of a school year! All I can say is that every single teacher on planet Earth deserves an all-expenses paid 3 month vacation to a place like the one pictured above. If, for some reason, that doesn’t happen, consider these tips for making the most of your break while also caring for your mental and physical health.
- Take an ACTUAL break! Teachers, I know you…I WAS you. You can’t stop living, breathing and sleeping teaching. You are constantly thinking about next year – how to improve, what things to do differently, what your classroom theme will be, the list goes on and on. It’s what makes you such a phenomenal educator. I’ve got news for you, though, you have to find this little thing called balance. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. Stay out of the school building and the school supply aisles and off Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers. If you just HAVE to work, set aside one day per week or certain hours of the day and STICK TO THIS. If you don’t, your summer will be over in a heartbeat, and you won’t feel one bit rested or recharged.
- Do the things that bring you joy! Remember those things you used to have called hobbies? It’s time to take those up again. Whether it’s cross stitching or reading, yoga or traveling, now is the time to start doing the things that make you happy. Even if it’s just one day a week, participating in a hobby is great for your mental health.
- Move your body! I know, I know…this one’s on every list. There’s a reason for that, though. Your body needs those endorphins. Get started now, and you will discover how much better you feel, both physically and mentally by the time fall rolls around.
- Don’t let guilt get in your way! You’re going to feel guilty…I know you are, but DON’T! Do not let the feelings of guilt creep in. You know…the feelings that you’re not working hard enough (you’re not supposed to be!) or that you need to use your time wisely (you do, but not in the way you’re thinking!). This past year has been tough on everyone, but good grief, teachers have been asked to pivot one million times. Now it’s time to give yourself grace and recognize that your body and mind need recharged.
- Keep an eye on your teacher friends! If you’re reading this and thinking, “Yes, I’m doing all these things this summer. I don’t want to think about school for one single minute.”…KUDOS to you! I guarantee, though, that you know oodles of teachers who want to believe this, want to follow in your footsteps, but just. can’t. do. it. Check in on them. Remind them of the importance of recharging their minds and bodies. They need to do it for themselves, their families and their future students.
- HAVE FUN!! More than anything, go have some fun! 2020 was not fun. The first part of 2021 was not fun. Things are getting better now so go enjoy a dinner out, a concert or a night out with friends. You deserve it! Thank you for all that you do!
akeducationalconsulting.com 