Spring break isn't just important for students. It's also necessary for teachers to recharge and recover, getting the energy to push through to the end of the year. There are few jobs that are more mentally and physically demanding than being a school teacher. Without the ability to recharge and take care of yourself, the task can be just about impossible. With that in mind, here are some of the top things you can do as a teacher to recharge during spring break.
The Benefits of Recharging During Spring Break
Even a single day of rest can go a long way towards improving your mental and physical health. Yet only about 25% of Americans take all of the vacation they're allowed. When you recharge, you can improve your mental focus and mood, while also reducing your risk for many physical ailments—such as cardiovascular disease. And while spring break may not seem like a long time, it's long enough to reset and enjoy some freedom.
Here are some ways you can take advantage of the time you've been given.
Spend Some Time With Your Family
If you have family out of town, now is the time to visit them. Not only do you get to see family members you haven't seen for a while, but you also get to experience a new place. And, of course, you can also invite them to your own home: entertaining can be extremely relaxing when it's with people you're related to.
Read Something Fun and Exciting
Teaching involves a lot of dry reading that isn't necessarily fun. If you've always been a "reader" but find yourself fatigued, consider creating your own "spring reading list" of books that you find silly and enjoyable.
Do a Movie or TV Marathon
Of course, if you really want to turn off your brain, it's time to marathon some Hulu, Netflix, or Amazon Prime. Take a day to just be lazy, watch television, and reset. You don't always have to be thinking and being productive—you're on break!
Reorganizing Your Closet (or House)
Reorganizing your closet (or house) and eliminating clutter can be great for your mental health. When you're a teacher, you often don't have the time to take care of things like decluttering. By doing it now, you can ensure less stress when you come home from work. You can even plan to create a more organized workspace so you can enjoy a stress-free return to the classroom.
Unplug from Social Media
Social media is stressful. Not only is the news almost universally bad, but it's been proven that it can inspire a "fear of missing out" that depresses people. During spring, consider unplugging from social media; after all, you won't need it for work.
Be as Lazy as Possible
Take a day (or a few, or a week) to just be as lazy as possible. You don't need to work, so you don't really need to do anything. Have some days where you plan nothing at all. You don't even need to get out of bed if you don't want to!
Plan a Trip
Whether you're interested in going for a day trip somewhere or going for a lengthy trip to another country, consider making some travel plans. Traveling is a great way to break out of a rut. Just make sure you have a few days after the travel to recuperate before school begins again.
Complete Some Home Improvement Projects
If there are things you've been putting off doing, now is the time to do them. While it may seem a little like work, the quality of life improvement after you start work again makes it well worth it. Plus, some people really enjoy home improvement, as well as getting this type of thing off their mind.
Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Get yourself pampered, massaged, and exfoliated at a local spa. There are few things as rejuvenating as a spa day, especially if you go with friends or family members whose company you really enjoy.
Take Up a New Hobby or Craft
Have you been meaning to take up jewelry making? Have you always thought of yourself as a wood worker? Now is the time to explore a new hobby; once you put enough time in it, you'll be able to pick it up on weekends or when you have small pockets of spare time.
Eventually spring break will be over, and you'll find yourself excited to return to the mix. The goal of a good vacation is to prepare you for the energy expenditures ahead—and to renew your interest and passion for doing what you love.
