Were you a busy teacher who struggled to find time for self-care this year? If so, you're not alone! It can be hard to find time for yourself when your schedule is always full. While teachers and students alike look forward to their summer vacation, it is teachers that truly need, and should value, the time off. Taking time off and implementing self-care strategies over the summer will help you relax, de-stress, and re-energize. You will notice benefits in every area of your life, both at home and back at school next fall. If you make simple efforts each day to take care of yourself, you will find that your patience, productivity, contentment, and joy will all increase. Ready to learn the tips? Keep reading to find out the best self-care tips for teachers this summer:
1. Sleep In!
Summer is a fantastic opportunity to change your sleep habits. If you've been staying up late marking or drafting lesson plans, it is now time to rest more and enjoy sleep. Getting enough sleep is a way to make your brain relax and improve your mental and physical well-being.
2. Create Healthy Habits
Healthy habits might be difficult to establish during the school year due to the long hours and hectic schedules. But if you've been thinking about improving your physical fitness this summer, now is the time to get started. When September rolls around, it will be easier to follow up with the routines once they've been established. One of the things you want to do to achieve this is stacking habits. When you add a new habit to an existing habit, you stack it on top of that habit to make it a part of your daily routine.
3. Spoil Yourself!
Use the change of season and summer sun to inspire ideas of self-indulgence. You can visit a spa, or enjoy a well-deserved massage. You can spoil yourself to a manicure and pedicure at a salon, or get a fresh haircut. Been wanting to visit a unique restaurant in town? Dress up and go enjoy a meal! All these activities will make you feel refreshed and energized.
4. Listen to an Audiobook or Podcast
Listening to stories is an easy method to break from the continuous process of solving problems or stress-related activities at school. An audiobook or podcast can provide more than simple entertainment. It can become a 30-minute gateway to joy, motivation, or even the opportunity to learn something new, while cleaning, driving, or sitting on the balcony resting. Ask some of your colleagues or friends who have tried audiobooks to recommend a few, if you are trying them out for the first time.
5. Start a Writing Project
Journaling is an incredibly beneficial self-care technique, which doesn't just enhance feelings of happiness, but can reduce stress, clarifies thoughts and feelings, and ultimately helps you get to know yourself better. Summer is an excellent time to recapture some creativity for personal projects, such as journaling or writing a book. This is a perfect opportunity to sharpen your writing skills and spend time doing something that you enjoy besides classwork.
6. Enjoy a Change of Scenery
If possible, take a vacation or even a "staycation" this summer, even if it's just for a few days. This is the best time to travel with your loved ones and enjoy time away from the your duties at home and regular activities. A change of scenery is good for you and your family or friends to create new memories and learn something new. So, pack up the car for a road trip, or book your flights and go somewhere different!
7. For the Love of Learning, Expand Your Knowledge
Teachers are often drawn to learning because of their natural curiosity and interests in a variety of things. However, it's possible that due to a tight school schedule you’ve had to put some of your interests on hold over the previous year. A class or webinar you've wanted to take but never had the time for is an opportunity to learn something new! As a result, you should use this time to catch up on that pre-recorded webinar, or sign up for a free short course. The things you learn will only enrich you and make you better. You might even be able to teach the same skills to your students!
8. Shut Down, Unplug, Reboot
There are so many ways to break from technology, whether by taking a walk, playing with your kids, or choosing to read a good book. It can be difficult for some to disconnect fully from technology, but taking intentional time away from your phone and turning away from the constant glow of information will allow you to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Setting limits will promote your wellbeing, and can help set boundaries to promote a healthier relationship to news consumption.
9. Look for Local Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering outside of the classroom, and helping others, can positively impact your well-being. Dedicating time to a project and others, will increase your self-esteem and life satisfaction. Doing good for others and the community can also give you a sense of pride and identity.
10. Subscribe to Monthly Self-Care
Save time by having self-care brought to you! Teacher Care Crate is a monthly subscription box curated thoughtfully and specifically for teacher's self-care and mental health. It is your monthly reminder to practice self-care. Each month's box includes inspirational art, bath & body items, on-trend accessories, and tasty treats to make your teacher heart happy! Subscribe today!
As a teacher, you have given so much of your time and knowledge to your students, it is important that you take a break in the summer to rest and make time for yourself. Self-care is vital for your mental and physical health as a teacher, so use these helpful tips to rest, rejuvenate, and re-energize yourself this summer!
