Ahhh…You’ve made it to summer break. But now you remember that to-do list you need to tackle, your schedule is filling up, and you worry that in the blink of an eye, summer will be over.
Here are 5 meaningful ways to truly recharge this summer.
By putting these steps into practice, you will feel rejuvenated over the course of those precious sunny days.
1. Unplug
Put your phone away. Leave it in another room if you have to.
Give your mind a break from the constant interruption of notifications. You shouldn’t need to be checking that inbox all day…it’s called summer break for a reason!
One piece of advice I give to any teacher I meet is to turn off school email notifications. Personally, I prefer to not even have it connected to my phone, but I understand that it can be convenient to have it there instead of logging on to your computer. By turning off notifications, you are in control of when you want to be thinking about work. Set aside time to check it, then move on.
It can be helpful to set a timer on certain apps. This will remind you to cut down on screen time.
Reflect on how you feel after using social media. Do you feel irritated about needing to cook after watching a video of a beautiful meal prepared by a private chef? Are you disheartened from seeing photos of people smiling on the beach, while you are on the couch? Do you feel grouchy once you realized you have spent an hour of your day scrolling on a little screen?
Remember, social media is a highlight reel. People don’t want to post things that make them unhappy. It is unrealistic to compare yourself to others through these platforms.
Give yourself the peace of mind you deserve by making time to disconnect from your phone.
2. Dive into a hobby
With summer comes the gift of time. Explore new activities, or reconnect with things you love to do.
For example, I consider myself to be someone who enjoys reading. However, I count the number of books I read during the school year on one hand. This summer I am making time to read books from my favorite authors.
You might have an interest in reading, too, or something completely different. Maybe you like to create art, do puzzles, or swim laps. Maybe you’ve feel like you never have had time to try a new hobby. This is your opportunity. Sign up for a class or watch instructional videos to learn a new skill or activity.
You might just find a new passion.
3. Make time for people
There is nothing better than connecting with those you love.
Be present when you are with these people (ahem, tip #1). Put your phone away and really talk to them. Find something to do together and share a positive experience.
If possible, take a trip to visit someone who lives far away. You could also offer that they come to visit you.
These are memories that you will cherish beyond the summer.
4. Exercise
Making time for exercise has countless benefits for your mind and body.
Find a physical activity that you enjoy. This could be taking a walk every morning or trying out a group fitness class at the gym. You might join a local sports league or bike to your destinations instead of driving.
Netflix has even released a series of workout videos! Of course, you will also find thousands of free workout on YouTube, so you can get the movement you need without even leaving your home.
According to the World Health Organization, exercise can improve your mental health, sleep quality, and risk of all-cause mortality. If that last point isn’t motivation, I don’t know what is!
Taking care of yourself is not just about working out. Take your time preparing food and really savoring it.
We all know the struggle of a 20 minute lunch period, often cut even shorter by the many variables that can change a school day. After school, you come home too exhausted to cook and find yourself spending way too much money on takeout.
Say goodbye to the time constraints of the bell and make yourself a fresh lunch. You can explore new recipes to share with friends and family.
Not only will you save money, but you will likely feel more energized by a nutritious meal.
I like to meal prep for several days at a time. Another option is to prepare a batch of something versatile like rice, chicken, or veggies, then use them in different recipes throughout the week. This is another positive habit that will impact your lifestyle.
5. Nourish your body
Another fun place to try is your local farmer’s market. The vendors often bring different goods each week, which can inspire new recipes.
One more option is to try out some new restaurants. Teachers rarely get to enjoy eating out for meals during the school year. Make a list of places you’d like to try and make it happen.
Remember to be kind to yourself and eat as slow as you want!
Enjoy!
These are all ideas that I have found make me feel recharged during the summer. I’d love to hear what you like to do and if you try any of these over your break. Please share your thoughts in the comments, and have a great summer!
Sources: World Health Organization. October 5, 2022. Physical Activity. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity