The Best Self-Care for Teachers on Spring Break
I see it all the time - teachers, in survival mode, counting down the days to spring break. Once you finally get to break, you live it up, but when school gets started again, you quickly slide right back to exhaustion central.
I DEFINITELY want you to live it up this spring break (in whatever way feels best to you), but I also want to share some of my favorite tips to take the joy of break with you when you head back to school. In other words, one of the best things you can do for your self-care over spring break is think about how you can keep the self-care vibes rolling when you head back to school.
Here are 3 wellness ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to help you make the most of your self-care this spring break.
3 Spring Break Self-Care Ideas from Me
I.
Pay attention to what you’re EXCITED to have time for. It’s a little different for everyone, but I’ll bet you can fill in this blank pretty easily: “I can’t wait to ___ over break”. Is it get extra sleep? Have more time with loved ones? Have more energy for a hobby you love? Whatever it is, your excitement is a big ol’ sign you need more of that thing all throughout the year. It may not be as much or in the same way as you’re able to include it now, but take some time to brainstorm how you can keep incorporating that thing that lights you up after break ends.
II.
Pay attention to what you DO NOT miss about school. I am of the opinion that no teacher should have to silently suffer through the things that bring you a great amount of stress. When there is something that stresses you out, that you dread, or that you are finding yourself relieved to be avoiding over break, that’s a cue to create a boundary that protects your time, energy, and values. Take some time over this break to notice what you don’t miss, and brainstorm ways to limit how much of that thing you let back into your life when you head back into the school building.
III.
Pay attention to what you DO miss about school. There are so many joyful parts of teaching - What are your favorite parts? What are you missing over break? Resolve to bring more of what brings you joy back with you into your classroom. Doing so will benefit both you AND your students.
2 Quotes from Others
I.
“True self-care is not salt baths and chocolate cake, it is making the choice to build a life you don’t need to regularly escape from.” - Brianna Wiest
II.
“Do not set aside your happiness. Do not wait to be happy in the future. The best time to be happy is always now.” - Roy T. Bennett
1 Question For You
What is one thing you want to START doing, one thing you want to STOP doing, and one thing you want to KEEP doing for your self-care when you head back to school after spring break?
If you enjoyed that, please share this post with other teachers who may benefit!
Until next week,
Emily Hemmingson
Health Coach for Teachers
Creator of The Teacher Wellness Center Membership Community
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