10 Ways to decompress this summer
Summertime is almost here! It’s what we have all been dreaming of. After what seems like forever (especially after this challenging school year), teachers and students deserve a break. The end of the school year always brought up mixed emotions for me. While I was excited for those sweet months of summertime, I would also feel a sense of sadness about losing my kids and the family we had formed in our classroom. However, I know the importance of rest and rejuvenation after a busy year. Here are 10 ways to decompress this summer!
1. SLeep In
Sleep! It’s finally time to catch up on all of those z’s that you’ve been missing for the past nine or 10 months. Take the time to sleep in . . . and don’t feel guilty about it. For some of us that may mean staying in bed until noon, while most of us will probably be up by seven. But hey…that’s still better than a five a.m. wake-up call to be at bus duty by seven!
For those of you with young kids of your own at home who still wake up with the sun, enjoy staying in your pajamas a little bit longer and actually getting to finish that morning cup of coffee in your favorite spot!
2. Take a vacation and unwind
Is the ocean calling your name? Maybe it’s the mountains and the vast openness of a national park? Schedule that trip that you’ve been dreaming of all year. Go for two days or two weeks! It’ll be good for your soul.
If a vacation is not in your budget this year, try a staycation. Visit local attractions or camp out in your backyard. Visit a nearby state park or take a day trip. Be creative! Just branch out of your normal routine and experience something new. A change in routine is a sure way to decompress this summer.
3. Reconnect with family and Friends
Teachers are so busy during the school year that we often don’t have time for the most important people in our lives. Use the summer to nourish these relationships.
Schedule a lunch date with family or friends. Go on an afternoon stroll around the lake. Watch the sunset, or plan a picnic in your backyard. It’s really not what you do that matters. It is the precious time that you get to spend with loved ones. Quality over quantity is the name of the game!
4. Remember your Hobbies
I know, I know, who has time for a hobby? You do! Hobbies are a great way to decompress during the summer and the school year.
Find some time to remember what you love and what makes your heart soar. It could be reading for FUN! I’m not talking about reading an education journal or something curriculum-related. Pick up a good novel in your favorite genre and read it on the beach, in a hammock, or by the pool.
Try journaling. You’ll be surprised what comes out on paper when you just start writing whatever is in your head. And . . . as an added benefit, you will be left with a clearer head and heart.
Get outdoors! Try out your green thumb with gardening or put out some bird feeders and enjoy nature. Just take some time to connect and enjoy with the world around you. It’s amazing to realize that our school year pace is not found everywhere.
5. Exercise to relax this summer
Exercise promotes better sleep and mental health. It is not always fun getting started, but once you do you will feel so much better! Think about joining a local gym, or find some exercise videos on YouTube. They have a TON of options to choose from. Mix in aerobic and strength training to change up your routine. If none of that sounds appealing, then just get moving. Try out a little yoga or just take a nice long walk outside everyday. Better yet, walk and connect with a friend at the same time!
6. slow down and Be Creative
Creativity is a great way to relax our mind. Being creative will mean something different for all of us. You may enjoy knitting, painting, or repurposing. You might like photography, drawing or doing some acting at a local theatre. As long as you are doing something you love, that’s all that matters.
Summertime is also the perfect time to learn a new skill. Take some time to watch some youtube videos or attend a class at your local community center. Maybe it’s time to jump out of your comfort zone and try something you have never done before. Being reminded of the learning process will only make you a better teacher in the fall. And . . . you will be able to tell your students that you spent your summer learning.
No matter what kind of crafting you choose to do, just be sure to take the time to enjoy some mindless creative work and decompress this summer.
7. Pamper Yourself this summer
Now that you finally have a minute to sit back and relax, take some time for self care. Self care looks different to everyone, so make sure you do something just for you!
Some ideas for self pampering could include:
- A day at the spa
- Get a manicure or pedicure
- Go fishing, hiking, or camping
- Buy yourself a little something that you’ve had your eye on for a while
Taking time for yourself is really important and often put on the back burner. Something as simple as soaking in a nice warm bubble bath complete with epsom salt and essential oils can help you feel refreshed and more like your normal self. Add in a little dark chocolate and a nice cup of tea and you will be sure to find some tranquility throughout the summer!
8. Have a pajama party
Take a day…or two or three…to stay in your pajamas all day long. Schedule nothing. Leave that calendar blank for the day.
Grab your favorite pillow and blanket and curl up on the couch for a Netflix binge session. Make it alone time or some special memory making time with your family and friends.
Do not feel guilty for one minute about indulging in all 5 seasons of your favorite show. Be sure to have all of your favorite snacks and drinks on hand to make it the best pajama party day ever!
9. Plan a day of fun to unwind
Take the time to schedule some fun. Head on out to a baseball game, play a game of golf, or visit your favorite art museum. Meet some friends for lunch and then catch an afternoon movie.
Make a summertime to-do list of all the fun things you have been wanting to do, but just didn’t have the time to do during the school year. This summertime bucket list will be fun to cross off and may even take you on some new and exciting adventures.
Take turns planning surprise outings with your friends. Have everyone pick something fun for the group to do, but don’t reveal what it is until the day of.
Plan something low key like enjoying the day at the pool. If you are looking for something a little more exciting, look for a fun summertime concert to attend in your area. Your local parks and recreation department often has special summer events that are free for the community. Do whatever makes your heart happy!
10. Give Yourself a break from cooking
Take a break from meal prep and planning with a no cook day or even a no cook week.
Go out to dinner, order in, or enjoy a good old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This simple step can alleviate stress that you didn’t even know you had. By the next week you’ll be ready to provide a good home cooked meal again.
I hope you find these 10 ways to decompress this summer helpful. You deserve it and owe it to yourself to relax and rejuvenate. Then, when you’re ready, you can start all of the prep and planning for next school year. It will be here before we know it. But for now, sit back and relax and take in the beauty of your unscheduled time.
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Be sure to save these 10 helpful tips to help yourself decompress this summer. Save it to your favorite Pinterest teacher or summer page so you can come back for a reminder when you need it.
