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summer

summer break

by Kelly Campman, FOR Club Director

By now, you have gotten into the groove of summer break. That stress that you felt in May has slowly slipped away, and you are in a state of relaxation, at least a little. It’s time to enjoy the benefits of summer break and the short hiatus from an educator’s world.

We know that teachers never really have a “break” from their pedagogical thoughts, plans, and professional learning, but there are definitely some mental health benefits when taking a break from the day to day stress in the life of an educator.

Here are a few mental health benefits from summer break:

Stress reduction: Time off from work, including summer break, can contribute to reducing stress levels. Teachers often face high levels of stress due to the demands of their profession, such as heavy workloads, time pressure, parent challenges, and student-related challenges. Taking a break can provide an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and recover from stress.

Psychological well-being: Vacations and breaks are associated with improved psychological well-being, including increased positive mood, life satisfaction, and overall happiness. These benefits can extend to teachers during the summer break, as you have the chance to engage in activities they enjoy, spend time with family and friends, and pursue personal interests.

Work-life balance: Teachers often experience a significant imbalance between work and personal life during the academic year. The summer break offers an opportunity for teachers to recalibrate this balance, dedicating more time to self-care, relaxation, and pursuing non-work-related interests. This can contribute to improved mental health and overall life satisfaction.

Burnout prevention: Teacher burnout is a prevalent concern, with long hours, heavy workloads, and emotional demands taking a toll on educators. Summer break can act as a protective factor against burnout by providing teachers with a substantial period of time away from work. It allows you to recharge, recover, and return to your profession with renewed energy and motivation.

Professional development and reflection: While summer break is primarily associated with rest and relaxation, it can also be an opportunity for teachers to engage in professional development and reflection. Teachers can use this time to attend workshops, conferences, or pursue advanced degrees, which can enhance their development, skills, and knowledge. This subsequently contributes to a sense of professional fulfillment.

Continue to languish in your time away from school, and be sure to give yourself a real break!

Happy July…Enjoy the rest of your summer!

schools out

by Kelly Campman, FOR Club Director

Reflect; Then, Let it Go: Before you fully let yourself go to the summer days, take the time to think through the highs and the lows from the school year. Was there something you tried that you’d like to change? What went well? What didn’t go so well? Write down your thoughts and/make a list of ideas for the next school year. Then, put it aside until August.

Travel and Explore – What’s on Your Bucket List?: Take advantage of your time off to go on a vacation or explore new places. Whether it’s a road trip, a beach getaway, a hiking adventure, or an international excursion, traveling can be a great way to relax, rejuvenate, and gain new experiences.

Engage in Hobbies and Interests – : Summer is the perfect time for you to indulge in new hobbies and interests. Whether it’s painting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, cooking, photography, or any other passion, dedicating time to these activities can provide a sense of fulfillment and joy.

Read for Pleasure – Just For You: Catch up on your reading list and dive into books purely for enjoyment. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or even educational literature related to your subject area, reading can be a wonderful way to unwind and expand knowledge.

Try New Activities – Be Creative: Summer is a great opportunity to try out new activities or hobbies. Sign up for cooking classes, learn a new language, join a sports league, take up a dance or fitness class, or participate in outdoor recreational activities like pickleball, kayaking, paddleboarding, or cycling.

Spend Time with Loved Ones – Make Memories: Summer is a precious time for teachers to connect with family and friends. Organize barbecues, picnics, game nights, or movie marathons. Engaging in quality time with loved ones can be a source of joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

Start the Countdown: Stop at the Dollar Store or the Target Dollar Spot…that will start inspiring you for the new year. Get out that reflection list you made back in June, plan your room arrangement and decor, meet with your team, then start on new and fresh lesson plans. Lastly, go take a spa day and/or your last long, luxurious nap. 

The goal is to engage in activities that bring happiness, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment during the summer break, which will lead to motivation, connection, and engagement for your new group of precious students.