Winter break is right around the corner. (Cue applause!) For many teachers, this is a time of year that you can kick back and relax for a little while. You aren’t plagued by end-of-year testing and you have some time before classes start up again. What should you do with all your extra time? Since it can be hard to take your mind off classes, students, and new year goals, here are a few ways to unplug, relax, and recharge this winter break.
Find Some Peace and Quiet
It is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but you are so busy throughout the school year. So, make sure you carve out some time to just be still and be quiet. Grab a book, journal, coffee, tea, your yoga mat, whatever you’d like to spend your time doing, and find a quiet corner of the house to just relax.
Stretch
Stretching is a great way to get up, stay active, and it can also be very relaxing. Just the smallest amount of physical activity can boost your mood and release a lot of tension. You don’t have to be lifting heavy weights or doing a massive amount of cardio. Who wants to do that on their winter break anyway? Just make some time each morning when you wake up to do a few cat/cows or downward dogs. You’ll be surprised how much more relaxed you feel.
Laugh
Watch a funny movie, read a funny comic or book, or find some humorous videos online. However you like to find your jollies, take some time to laugh during your winter break too. Laughter really is the best medicine. If being out of the classroom is giving you the blues, find something to make you giggle.
Set Goals
This time of year is perfect for reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the year ahead. Take a little bit of time to think about the goals you’d like to set for yourself and your students. You don’t necessarily need to draw up the plans to solve every problem or reach every goal, but simply writing down a few things you’d like to accomplish can help keep you focused on moving forward. Once you’ve written down your goals, leave them be until January 1. You’ve done all you can do for now.
Do Something For You
Lastly, you work so hard throughout the rest of the year. Schedule some time to do something that makes you happy. Plan a vacation, spend extra time with your family, or get pampered at the nail salon or spa. A simple walk sometimes does the trick too! Do everything you’d like to do during the rest of the school year that you normally don’t have time for. Even if it means canceling other plans, do something for yourself over the winter break.
What did we miss?
What are you looking forward to doing this holiday break that will help you recharge your batteries? Share some ideas with your fellow teachers below.