Educators are under more pressure than ever with overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and so many more additional responsibilities. By the time winter break rolls around, you might feel as if there’s no time to really catch your breath before the chaos of the second half of the year begins. It’s more important than ever, teachers, to make winter break about focusing on you and about recharging your batteries. How? We’re glad you asked!
Let It Snow and Let It Go
You are good at what you do, but it’s okay to let go of the worry, stress, and concern you feel during the school week and just enjoy the break. Curl up with a good book, enjoy a spa day, putter in the garage, catch a game, bake cookies, go for long walks. And sleep in!
Pleasure before Pedagogy
Instead of reading student papers or the latest pedagogical research, pick up that mystery or horror novel you were reading last summer. Let your mind get completely sucked into a world of fiction. Disconnect. Make some hot cocoa or a cup of tea and get lost.
Coffee and Connect
How long has it been since you and your best friend have grabbed coffee or lunch or spent time together? Don’t let the break go without scheduling a little time to reconnect. During the holidays, people may be in town who you rarely have the chance to see; so, make the most of it.
Skip the Holiday Hustle
Find ways to simplify your holidays so that you have time to enjoy them, too. Don’t spend every moment cleaning and cooking only to be exhausted at the end of the winter break. Enlist help if you’re hosting the holiday meal; don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to extra requests when you’d rather have the downtime.
Doing Nothing Is an Important Thing to Do
As a teacher, you’re always on the go, with barely enough time for bathroom breaks and a lunch break during the school day. Even though the holiday season can create its own unique style of chaotic pressure, it’s okay – and recommended – to make sure you set aside time in which you don’t have to do anything. Whether it’s sleeping in and spending a day in your pajamas or skipping the long lines at the stores and having stuff delivered, take an actual break.
Winter break is an opportunity for educators to recharge. It’s good for you and good for your students.