School’s Out & it’s Time to Reset & Rejuvenate

9 Jun, 2023

This is our 9^th installment in our blog series for educators.

You have just packed a full year of work into nine months. You are so tired. You have nothing left to give. You feel depleted. You have been counting the days until you are embracing the glorious summer vacation once again. For a teacher, these feelings are completely understandable.

Summer break is upon us and now the time is yours and with this time off should come your proactive choice to mentally reset and prepare for next year.  Below are some tips to help you replenish, reset, and balance your work and personal life.

1. You have eagerly awaited this break. Take a moment and reflect. Think about your joys, your challenges, and your victories. Pack the prior year up in a box of memories. You cannot expect to move forward until you let go of the past.
2. Sleep late. Take a nap.  Sit in the sun.  And DO NOT feel guilty about it.  So many educators work double time during the school year.  The high-stress environment can lead to sleepless nights and little down time.  Now is your chance to catch up.  Your body needs to rest, so embrace it!
3. Schedule Fun. What makes you happy?  What makes you laugh?  Whatever it is, make a concerted effort to do it.  Feelings of stress and burnout can be quelled when we fill our time with things that bring us joy.  This is your time to step away from the stress and fill your time with happy moments.
4. Be Present. Unplug and cherish it. Enjoy nature and the many traditions that coincide with the summer months. Be there for those you care about. Notice the positives around you. By doing so, time may slow a bit and you will feel fulfilled and emotionally replenished.
5. The summer can pass quickly, so before you know it you will be meeting your next class of students. From time to time, look ahead and begin to strategize what you hope to accomplish next year. What lessons ran smoothly? What does the curriculum require?  What would you change? How did your classroom management run?  Now is the time to create an outline for an even better year next year. You will thank yourself later!

By incorporating these simple strategies, you will better be able to make the most of your much needed break and be ready to return to the classroom refreshed, replenished and ready to give it your all once again.