How you spend the summer will help set you up for success in the new school year ahead. Today I’m sharing with you 9 ways to create balance and ease as you go about your daily life. Doing so will help you have a sense of both feeling refreshed AND productive.
Give yourself a break.
After a long year of supporting our students, showing up for our colleagues and meeting with parents, now is the time to give your body, mind and soul a break. To rest and recharge. It could mean lounging at the pool, beach or a lake. Taking hikes and exploring the outdoors. Or even just taking a nap. Taking care of yourself this summer vacation will help you feel refreshed when the new school year begins. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup!
What does self-support look like for you?
Always be learning
I am a big believer in professional development. It not only helps us, as educators, but all those new skills and knowledge benefit our students as well. Over the last year, I have attended two state conferences – I both presented and attended workshops at each of them. Will you be taking any workshops, courses or attending any conferences?
And did you know that I also offer professional development to schools? Yep, I sure do! Learn more here.
Be creative
Besides resting and relaxing, summer is also a time when we can expand our horizons and try something new! And if we can find a way to bring our new hobbies into the school year, it can also give us a break from our regular day-to-day life and can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Here are some fun options to choose from or share with me what you love to do as a hobby!
🎨 Painting
🌱 Gardening
🌱 Reading
🖊️ Writing
🍲 Cooking
📷 Photography
Travel and explore
In June, I got to be a chaperone for students in grades 9-12, traveling to Europe! While I was working much of the time, there was also some time for leisure. Over 12 days, we explored some really amazing places in England, France and Spain. I also had a little downtime to read the book, This Summer Will Be Different – it’s a fiction book, and the title called to me, as I’m looking to shift some things this summer.
Even if you can’t travel far, hop in your car for a road trip and explore a new area. Traveling, near or far, can give you a fresh perspective as well as ideas for the new school year ahead.
Take a digital detox
Give your eyes and brain a break! Step away from all digital devices and screens: Computers, phones, tablets, and even TVs consume our lives these days. You may even find it helps motivate you to do more, whether it’s getting outside, organizing your closet or simply being in the moment.
Spend as much time outdoors as possible.
Grab what you need for comfort and enjoy the summer days. Whether it’s sitting at an outdoor cafe or taking a walk in the woods, appreciate these months when we get warm weather AND can spend time outside. We spend most of our days in classrooms, and while we love what we do, it’s nice to have the option to get outdoors. Take time to appreciate the sunshine and the longer days. Then, commit to making time to get outside even during the school year!
Give back
Summer vacation is a nice time to give back. We can get so busy in our everyday lives during the school year that it can sometimes feel hard to do extra activities, like volunteering. Whether it’s at a local organization or just helping out a neighbor, take a little time this summer to show up for someone else in need. Studies show that volunteering actually helps us as much as it helps the person or organization we’re supporting! And bonus, you can make new friends along the way.
Express gratitude
One thing I highly recommend to create balance in our educator lives is a gratitude journal. And if you start it now, when you’re a little less busy, you’ll have created a regular practice by the time the new school year begins. While it may seem basic, writing down what you’re grateful for each day, you may find it helps you stay more focused and motivated as well as less challenged and anxious when problems arise.
Spend time with family and friends
Make a point to spend extra time with your loved ones. Go to brunch, plan fun get togethers, and check out the summer festivals and fairs. When the new school year begins, you’ll have created fond memories to look back on.
