
Try some of these summer relaxation strategies for teachers. It does not matter what or where you teach, teachers need their summers to relax and recharge their bodies in order to get ready for the next school year. Teaching is a demanding profession that requires 110% of its teachers during the school year.
Teachers work extremely hard during the school year to educate and inspire their students.
Summer vacation is a well-deserved break from the demands of the school year, but it can be challenging to shift from a structured routine to a more relaxed schedule.
Here are some summer relaxation strategies for teachers that can help you make the most of your time off:
We ended our weekly #2ndaryELA Twitter chats for the 2015-2016 school year with teachers discussing how they use their summer for personal and professional growth. Everyone agreed that summer was a perfect time to get outdoors and engage in activities that you love to do, but never have time for during the school year.
Summer Relaxation Strategies for Teachers
Here are some of the summer relaxation strategies for teachers mentioned in our discussion:
- Read – find some great book recommendations for teachers here.
- Sleep and/or take frequent naps.
- Unplug from school technology: Turn off your email notifications and resist the urge to check your school email. If required, set aside designated times to check your school email, but otherwise, stay unplugged from all work-related technology until you are contractually required to turn it back on. Use your time off to reconnect with yourself, or your family and friends.
- Get outside: Spending time in nature can have a positive impact on your health. Take a hike, go for a bike ride, or simply relax at the beach. Being outdoors can help you de-stress and rejuvenate.
- Travel: Traveling can be a great way to unwind and explore new places. Whether you take a road trip, a cruise, a flight to a new destination, or explore your local area, travel can help you gain new perspectives and make memories.
- Visit with friends and family.
- Exercise – walking, yoga, swimming, or anything else you are physically capable of and enjoy doing.
- Cook – take time to try out new recipes
- Engage in meaningful and reflective discussions with other educators about what worked and what did not work this past year. If you teach ELA, try out this other great group called We Are Teachers Helpline.
- Attend professional development workshops in-person and online. Learn about Lit Launch – Middle School Reading Engagement Professional Development Course. Find this resource on Shopify CAD and Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
- Don’t forget to take time this summer to focus on your mental health and practice self-care. This blog post Teacher Mental Health Strategies can provide you with some ideas. Take care of your health by prioritizing self-care. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to help you relax and refocus.
- Pursue a passion project: Use your summer break to pursue a passion project that you don’t have time for during the school year. Pursuing something you enjoy can help you recharge and come back to the school year feeling refreshed.
Remember, taking time to relax and recharge is essential for your well-being. Use these summer relaxation strategies for teachers to make the most of your time off and come back to the classroom feeling energized and ready to tackle the new school year and the possible challenges it might bring.