School’s out for summer! I can hear a collective sigh of relief from exhausted teachers everywhere. It’s been a tough year and the break is needed to rejuvenate. In this blog post, I will share some ideas about self-care in the summer for the tired teacher (that’s me).
Do Any of These Situations Sound Familiar?
Over the last school year, you felt like you were sometimes just barely getting through each day. Absolutely exhausted.
You’ve been overwhelmed by the workload as well as the many pivots you’ve had to make in your teaching during this pandemic.
You feel like you are constantly falling behind and somehow can’t catch-up to where you want or need to be (at home and work).
Teaching has become incredibly difficult due to the fast pace of using new technology, devices, apps, and more.
Perhaps you’ve even considered other professions due to feeling worn out from teaching in the classroom.
Whichever example resonated with you the most, please know that I see you and empathize with you.
Our job is so important for our students, yet it has truly pushed us to our limits during the past few years.
This is why I’m so happy that it’s summer! I need to practice self-care in the summer because I feel like I haven’t done it so well during the past school year. Just speaking my truth.
Does this sound like you, too?
Read this Post: Self-Care for Teachers | My Favourite Beverages
What is Self-Care?
According to dictionary.com, self-care is, “the act of attending to one’s physical or mental health, generally without medical or other professional consultation” or “the products or practices used to comfort or sooth oneself,” (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/self-care).
Over the last few years, I’ve seen many messages on social media reminding others that self-care isn’t just bubble baths or going to a spa. Well, they can be part of one’s self-care practice, but it’s not just about those particular types of activities.
Read this post: Good mental health: How to improve yours (and maintain it for life)
How Do I Intend to Practice Self-Care in the Summer?
I will share a few ways that I will focus on self-care over my holiday.
Sleeping In
Yes, I know – you can never “catch up” on missed sleep.
Nevertheless, for me personally, there’s nothing sweeter than sleeping in on my summer break. Waking up without the alarm clock on my phone is always pretty appealing!
Exercise
A few years ago, I had a great routine for working out, whether it was at the gym or at home. I was motivated and enjoyed doing so.
Then the pandemic hit and the interest that was there before sadly waned.
My goal this summer is to start getting back into a new routine for working out. I have already decided on a few ways to do this and will share in a future post!
For the time being, a walk outdoors is a simple, yet invigorating way for me to get moving and also get some fresh air, too.
Connect with Friends in Person
I truly look forward to seeing more friends in person this summer.
In my books, connecting with your social circle, whether as a group or one-to-one, is a form of self-care. When I am with my dearest friends, the conversations that we have are soul-filling. Did I also mention that we enjoy various types of foods during these chats, too?
Mindful Eating
Eating lunch during the school work-day is important, yet I always feel like I’m in a tremendous rush to do so. This summer, I want to make sure that when I eat, I do the following:
- Purposely make healthy food choices more often each day.
- Take my time eating my food. Hey, I won’t be anticipating a bell at the end of lunch time!
Personal Reading and Writing
Teachers are always reading and writing each day for work.
Reading books that I haven’t had time to read before is something that I look forward to doing this summer.
I also enjoy journaling. Writing helps me to clarify my thoughts and reflect.
Prayer and/or Meditation
Slowing down my mind and even stopping from physically rushing around is sometimes quite difficult during the work day. I’m grateful that moments of prayer and/or meditation can help me stop and be present.
Some may pray, and others may prefer meditation. Whatever helps you stop and rest in that moment is truly special.
Catch-Up on Favourite TV Shows!
Another way for me to focus on self-care in the summer is to catch-up on shows I’ve missed. The Amazing Race is one of my favourite shows to watch!
I recently got into watching Survivor (watched the last two seasons). Didn’t know what I was missing before!
I also look forward to watching re-runs of Abbott Elementary. It makes me so happy! Have you seen it before?
Fresh Smoothies and Tea Time
My beverages of choice are smoothies and herbal tea. To learn more about my favourites, click here to read.
Self-Care Beyond Summer Vacation
It’s been fun sharing ideas for self-care in the summer, but it’s something that should be practiced year-round.
Yes, my Teacher-Friend. I am talking to you and me both.
The many self-care tips shared above, I intend to weave them into my next school year much better than I did before. The pandemic caused many changes and stopped many prior routines, but I’m excited to try and get back on track.
Are you with me?
In some future blog posts, I will focus on different areas of self-care and wellbeing. I think that having a mindset of caring for oneself each and every day, even in a small way, can set the tone for other aspects of life, too.
Remember, we can’t drink or pour from an empty cup.
I hope you will join me as I plan to get better at focusing on self-care, while also caring for and helping all of those around me, too.
Now, let me start by making my favourite cup of tea!
Wishing you all a safe, healthy, peaceful, relaxing, and happy summer break.
You simply deserve it!
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