Yessssss! You did it! You’ve officially completed another year of teaching, so now what? Here’s your initial summer to-do list:
- Take a break – Just do it. Cut the cord. Allow yourself to let go of work, and give yourself permission to do nothing work-related for at least a week or two. Trust me, it will all be there when you return, and it will keep. You’ve busted your tail all year, and now you need to allow yourself a chance to decompress and rejuvenate so you can come back full throttle for next year.
- Be lazy – Now that you’re allowing yourself to disconnect from work, go ahead and embrace your inner couch potato for a little while. Host a Harry Potter marathon for yourself. Re-watch Grey’s Anatomy from the beginning. Catch up on old episodes of Cupcake Wars. Do nothing for a couple days except read a book and take naps… or whatever! There’s nothing wrong with a healthy dose of mindless lethargy to cleanse your mental palette.
- Be active – Although I can stage a Netflix binge like no other, I also know that it’s good for your psyche to move around every now and then. As the great Elle Woods (Legally Blonde) explains, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” And who doesn’t want to be happier this summer?! Once you’re done with your lazy bout, then get up and move around a little.
- Get outdoors – Soak up some sunshine and load up on Vitamin D. It’s good for the soul (just don’t forget sunscreen!) Take a walk through the neighborhood. Plant a small flower garden. Cool off with a day at the pool. The sky’s the limit! Enjoy the warmer months while you can.
- RELAX – Once you have settled into your summer a bit, make sure to keep a regular pattern of relaxing activities going throughout the summer. Soak in a hot bath. Stay up way too late after the kids have gone to bed. Treat yourself to a message. Get a pedicure and an iced coffee… get creative! Once the new school year approaches, you may not have time to fit in all of these fun activities, so enjoy them while your schedule is a bit more flexible. You deserve it!
And that’s all there is to it!
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