Reflect, Refresh and Reboot

It’s June! For teachers and educators, school’s out for the summer. It’s time to reflect, refresh and reboot. For six to eight weeks, there are many possibilities and opportunities waiting for you. You have probably made a to-do list of all the things you wanted to do during the school year.  However, does that to-do list include time to reflect, refresh and reboot? Teaching is a tough job! Therefore, you should be on the top of your to-do list.

Teachers, principals, and administrators look forward to the summer moments. Often, it’s usually a time to plan for the upcoming school year. It’s time to write lessons, research new strategies, take PD workshops, attend conferences or work a summer job. Most educators don’t take the time to reflect on their physical and emotional health. Are you one of those educators, who never stop thinking about the job, school or students? Well, how about taking some time this summer to reflect and plan on how to take better care of yourself. Also, plan on how to continue to stay healthy during the school year. Make wellness a top priority. Probably, you are wondering how are you going to do that?  

Write It Down

First, sit down and take a load off. Reflect on how you are feeling physically and emotionally. During the school months, what were some triggers that sent your stress level to 10? Afterward, how did you handle the stressful situations? Write it down. Also, think about your daily schedule. Jot down what your daily routine looks like. For example, each morning do you wake up, get the kids ready for school, drop them off and then head to work?

After work, do you have time for yourself, or are you dropping kids off at sports practice, cooking dinner and more? Write it all down to get an idea of where your time goes. You will be surprised how much you do in one day. Finally, don’t forget about the work you bring home from the job! Write that down, too.

Kill the Stress

Once you have written down the information, review it closely. Then see where you can eliminate or delegate some of the chores, routines, or activities. Then move on to think about your stress level and triggers. Stress is unhealthy! Stress kills! So, make a plan to kill the stress! You can do it by knowing your triggers and figuring out healthy responses to the triggers. Sometimes, the trigger is a particular person or a particular time in your schedule each day.

For example, if you are scheduled for lunch duty each day and you dread it, then it will become a stressful situation. During lunch duty, the students are noisy and excited to socialize with their friends. Sometimes you feel like the lunchroom is out of control. It’s 200 of them and one of you to make sure everything runs smoothly. So, how can you change the scenario and make it better and less stressful for you? Again, teaching is a tough and complex job. Remember, your health and sanity are a priority. So, it’s okay to make important changes to make your life easier and less stressful.

Me Time  

After reflecting, it’s time to refresh and reboot. Summer goes by quickly! Therefore you want to spend as much time as possible to refresh and reboot. Sit back and relax. Listen to the birds sing and feel the breeze.  Each week of the summer, plan something especially for you.  Call it “me time.” It’s your time to heal physically, mentally and spiritually. What does “me time” consist of? Well, it could mean anything that you want, but here are some suggestions.

Take a vacation

Go to a spa

Take a daily walk

Tour your city or home state

Play a sport

Take an art class

Get a hobby

Read some books and magazines

Play an instrument

Learn a craft i.e., sewing, woodwork, gardening, etc.

Go to the movies

Create a quiet, sweet spot in your home

Conclusion

This is just a short list. There are so many more things you can do. Furthermore, you are in charge of your mind, body, and spirit. Make a plan on how to continue to stay healthy throughout the year. The summer months are an opportunity to reflect, refresh and reboot. However, you want to stay healthy for all seasons. Hurry and make your plan because the new school year is just around the corner.

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