Summer is a wondrous time for teachers when they’re supposed to rest, relax, and recharge after working so hard throughout the school year. Teachers, however, are often the breed that never want to stop bettering their craft. This unending drive to achieve makes great teachers, but rest is essential to be ready for the next school year.
Here are 10 things every teacher can do to both disconnect and discover inspiration this summer.
- Read books for pleasure. Take time to read a memoir, a work of fiction, or anything that takes you on a literary adventure.
- Go to the movies! Summer blockbusters aren’t just for kids. Escape the heat and indulge in your favorite theater snacks.
- Connect with nature. Whether it’s a hiking trip, a kayaking excursion, or a camping experience, be sure to leave the internet behind and enjoy what nature provides. It will do wonders to clear your head.
- Have a “No Plans Day.” Wake up one morning with nothing on your agenda. Let the day unfold as it does and follow your whims. The school year is so structured, that a day to discover will feel absolutely freeing.
- Other outlets include courses or seminars about education during the summer months. Find one that interests you for professional development on your terms. It can be anything, even subjects outside your specialty.
- Create a list of the best parts of your job. Summer is a good time to focus on the positives and remind yourself why you became a teacher in the first place.
- Go to a concert. Summer abounds with outdoor concerts and festivals in every genre. Get lost in the songs, dance, and absorb the energy of live music.
- Connect with colleagues who you don’t normally connect with during the busy school year. Invite them to a barbecue, or go out to lunch. You’re all in relax mode, so you’ll be more free to just be yourselves and have fun.
- Discover a new exercise routine. Take full advantage of the extra hours in the day and finally take that yoga class or go to a rock climbing gym. You never know what you’ll find and want to incorporate into your school year schedule.
- Be kind to yourself. Even if you make a Summer to-do list and you don’t get to the items, the most important thing is to decompress and recharge. Don’t stress if it doesn’t go according to plan. All you need to have a great summer is to clear your head and remember who you are underneath that teacher’s suit of armor.