It’s summertime! Are you ready to get some sun and fun while you recharge your batteries? While it can be easy to fall right into work because you have time, it’s important to take the time to get back to “full” in the self-care tank! To help out, I am going to share my top 5 self-care tips for teachers! These tips will help you get a well-deserved break into a rejuvenating and transformative experience!
Self Care Tips for Teachers
Don’t let your summer break be a time for everyone else! Make sure you take the time to rest and recharge! Here are my top five self care tips for teachers.
- Prioritize Mental Health and Relaxation
- Engage in Physical Activities
- Cultivate Personal Hobbies and Interests
- Reconnect with Friends and Family
- Set Personal Growth Goals
Make Mental Health and Relaxation a Must Do!
Putting your mental health should be the first thing on your to do list! Teaching is a super stressful job that requires us to make so many minute to minute decisions. So, it’s important to unwind and focus on your well-being during summer break. How can you do this? Well there are so many options!
One of my favorites is practicing mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and improve focus. You can find so many apps, YouTube channels, or other articles to help guide you through different techniques. Another favorite of mine is going to a yoga class where you can try gentle stretching exercises to help release tension. Plus, with yoga, you’re relaxing your mind while getting in some physical exercise which releases good endorphins.
Move Your Body!
Getting up and moving your body is a huge part of getting a relaxing break in. I know, it sounds crazy because relaxing to me is sometimes doing nothing, but that can be bad for the brain! Exercising is awesome for your mood, your physical health, and overall well-being.
To make doing physical activity more fun, try joining a fun class you always wanted to try like Zumba, aerobics, a water class of some kind, or a spinning class! One of my team members does a “Lazy 5K” every year with her family. This is just walking around a lazy river AGAINST the current. If this isn’t your style, take advantage of warmer weather by going for a hike or bike ride through a nature reserve. Being outside while enjoying nature is a great way to stay active!
Enjoy and Grow Personal Hobbies and Interests
We all have passions outside of teaching; however, they often get pushed to the side during the school year. This self care tip for teachers is all about getting back to what YOU love! Explore the things you love to do whether that’s trying something you’ve always wanted to do or revisiting an old hobby.
For example, if you have always wanted to learn to paint, knit, or do some other craft? Do it this summer. Have you been putting off kayaking or doing that marathon? Do it this summer! Love to read but want it to be something you can discuss with adults? Join a book club and enjoy a glass of wine while discussing the works of Shakespeare, Fitzgerald, or the best up and coming author. The possibilities are endless! Find what marks you happy and GO FOR IT!
Reconnect with Friends and Family
One of the best self care tips for teachers is to reconnect with people you may have disconnected with over the last few months. Teaching can be time-consuming, and it’s easy to neglect relationships. During break is the perfect time to catch up and make memories!
You can do this by organizing a potluck or picnic to spend quality time with loved ones. If you need to reconnect with friends, plan a fun wine tasting or go grab some coffee and do a little retail therapy! If you and your family have been home all year, plan a weekend getaway or a full on vacation to explore a whole new world! Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s a fun and relaxing experience for everyone involved.
Self Care Tips for Teachers All Need Personal Growth Goals
Our final self care tips for teachers is a biggy because it’s all about YOU. During your summer break, take some time to reflect on your personal and professional life and figure out where you want to grow. Where do you want to grow? Here are some ideas.
If you want to improve your communication and leadership skills, you might want to check out resources, courses, or professional development to help you in that department. Creating a reading list of books or articles related to personal growth is always enlightening. Plus, then you take time to read it which is another self care tip for teachers (taking time for you)!
Growing and evolving is something that happens over time not overnight. So maybe you make a three or four or five summer plan. The important thing is that you are working on personal growth in whatever aspect of your life you want to.
Taking care of yourself is essential! These five self care tips for teachers are really just the beginning in terms of what you could be doing. What is true self care is doing whatever makes you feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and like the happiest version of you. Now it’s up to you! Which self-care tip are you most excited to try this summer? Comment on this article and let us know! Add your own ideas that work for you to inspire other teachers as well!
Until Next Time…
Keep Being Educational Rockstars!
