Teachers: Take Time to Recharge This Summer

The school is over, and some of you are mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. Teaching is a rewarding and stressful profession. You have spent your days nurturing and teaching children that are both yours and someone else's. Now it's time for a break. Here are some tips to help you recharge this summer.

Reflect

Take some time to think about what you learned this past year. Did you and your students improve? In what areas? The school year is so busy it's possible you haven't taken time to notice your growth. Write your successes down and give yourself a pat on the back! Also, write down areas for improvement and put it in a safe place to review next year.

Experiences

Though intangible, experiences are far more valuable than material things. This summer choose to spend money on experiences. The happiness we get from material things wears off. The joy and memories from experiences last a lifetime.

Mind, Body, & Soul

At this point, your body is going through the motions. It's following its daily routine, and you're showing signs of little control. Take this time to reconnect with your body. Stretch your body and take walks every day. Use meditation to relax. Try new experiences like rock climbing or kayaking or go dancing with friends. Go to get a massage or a manicure and pedicure. Have fun and take care of yourself in whatever you choose to do.

Journal

Writing is known to reduce stress and anxiety. Journal your daily activities before bed or put on your creative cap and create a fiction masterpiece. You can also use journals to explore ideas and jot down notes to reference when you're planning for the next school year. While you're at it, write a letter to yourself or future students to reflect on at the end of next school year.

Listen

There is a podcast for every possible market in almost every subject. They can be used to inspire, motivate, or to learn something new. Listening to podcasts or audiobooks is an easy way to give your mind a break. You can stay relaxed while multitasking and listen while you’re cooking, cleaning, or driving.

Relax

Pick a day out of the week to do absolutely nothing. You can sleep in, binge watch a new Netflix series and order food. Have yourself some wine or any beverage of your choice and just be.

Whatever you choose to do this summer, avoid stress, and don't overthink. Recharge and enjoy yourself. You deserve it!