12 Ways Teachers Can Slow Down This Summer

All school year long teachers are asked to rush. How will you spend your summer?

Many teachers use the summer to finally slow down, but fully allowing for rest after such a fast-paced year is not always that easy. Here’s why:

We live in a work obsessed culture. Many of us have been fed messages our whole life that our worth is determined by our productivity. You might hold the common fear that a day without productivity might make you seem lazy or selfish.

But I think you’ll find that some of the most beautiful moments in life happen when you slow down enough to be fully present.

Summer vacation can be a particularly special time to improve your capacity to slow down.

And if you become more comfortable slowing down during the summer, chances are you will be able to bring more of these still moments into your school year too.

After all, a year where you are calm, rested, and present is a year where you are much less likely to fall victim to symptoms of burnout.

Here are 12 things you can do to slow down this summer.

Take a deep, slow breath and read on…

1. Take a siesta, nap, or afternoon lie down.

2. Take in the sights and sounds of nature (study the leaves on a tree, listen to a babbling brook or birds chirping, etc.)

3. Create something for no other reason than the pure joy of it.

4. Chat with a loved one and fully focus on them. Don’t rush the conversation.

5. Read a book all afternoon.

6. Journal with no time limits.

7. Stretch if you want to, move if you want to, or stay totally still if you want to. Your body will likely send signals for what it needs.

8. Create weekly traditions with the people that you love.

9. Speak kind words to yourself.

10. Organize a corner of your house to be a little, peaceful oasis.

11. Get creative making healthful meals.

12. Breathe deep as often as you can.

Yes, these activities are quiet, and they may even make you feel bored at times, but what a beautiful thing! After a year of likely being on hyperdrive, your brain can gain a lot by finally having the opportunity to feel bored.

And boredom often leads to great bursts of creativity.

Choose one of these activities to try this week to help you rest, rejuvenate and recover from the demands of this past school year.

What other restful activities would you add to this list?

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