Self-care is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. Today I’m sharing 20 summer break self care activities for teachers. Because this is probably the best time where we, as educators, can make ourselves a priority. It also means that we can set ourselves new routines and habits that hopefully, we are able to carry on throughout the school year too.
Self-care doesn’t need to be extravagant or anything that costs a lot of money. There’s self-care in so many activities around us. And that’s why I felt it was important to put together this blog post to give others some ideas to try.
1. Take a Relaxing Bath or Shower
I’m more of a bath girl. And I can quite happily soak in a warm bath all day long and just keep topping up the water. My son follows me in this way and he forever just wants to be in the bath! So whichever you prefer, try to set a time where you can take a real good bath or shower. Where you’re able to switch off and just enjoy.
2. Light Exercise
I know lots of people panic about exercise and think that they need to go full blown spin class. But that’s not always the case. While exercise definitely is a great form of self-care.. There’s different types of exercise. And in the summer, especially if you get very hot weather, I’m a big advocate for light exercise. This can be things like doing some yoga in the morning.. Or going for a nice walk outdoors and take in some nature.
3. TV Shows and Movies
Since having my son, almost 2 years ago now, I honestly can’t tell you the last time I’ve really sat down and enjoyed a TV show. My time is always spent doing something else. Usually catching up on work, blogging, housework, anything other than really sitting down and watching TV. But, now and again I manage to find a good series. And for me, I love nothing more then than to curl up on the sofa with a nice blanket in some comfy pjs and binge watch some TV!
4. Read a Book
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll probably have seen that this year I set a resolution for reading more books. I’ve had a lot of stuff on the last month so I’ve fallen a little bit behind but I’m definitely trying to get back into the habit of taking away screens and just getting lost in a good old book! I’m part of a book club and I love how accountable that makes me.
5. A Getaway OR Staycation
Having a break away doesn’t have to be a 5* trip to the Maldives. Let’s face it, for more people, we’re never going to be able to afford that every year on a teacher salary. But it is amazing what a little break away can do. Even if it’s just 30 minutes down the road in a hotel for the night where someone else is going to clean up after you.. And you get to wake up to a fresh breakfast buffet the next morning. Or even just laze in a giant hotel bed with a book and order some room service. This is the perfect option for when you just need to switch off from life and enjoy some time on your own – or with family/friends!
6. Try a New Hobby
This is something I’m actually going to try and do this summer. I think it’s really important to push ourselves out of our comfort zones sometimes and try out something new.. And who knows, it could become a new hobby! Check out what’s going on in your local area for events about learning new hobbies, crafts etc. Or even just check out YouTube and maybe teach yourself how to crochet!
7. Attend a Concert or Cultural Event
I work with a lady who absolutely loves to attend festivals. She books one for the summer each year, and trust me, when I say she looks forward to it all year long.. She really does! It doesn’t have to be a festival, it can be any type of event or concert. Just something where you can be free for a little bit of time and enjoy that moment.
8. Quality Time with Friends and Family
This one I feel like is really important throughout the summer. As educators, we always have so much on our plates throughout the year… And that often means that we miss out on a lot of meet ups and events with friends and family. So for the summer especially, it’s really important to try and spend that quality time with friends and family.
Again, it’s more about the time together rather than what you are doing. So try not to panic about doing anything extravagant or that’s going to cost a lot of money. Last year, I met up with an ex colleague of mine with our kids and we took alpacas for a walk! The experience was amazing, cost 10 bucks each and is something we still talk about. The time spent together was so fun and it’s something I definitely try to prfioritize.
9. Get a Massage or Spa Treatment
I have had a super stressful year. And I’m hoping this summer to have some spare cash and book in to a little spa to have a massage. When I say I need it.. I’m really not joking. I’ve realized this year just how much stress I can in my neck and shoulders.. A good massage is definitely something I need to look into this summer.
10. Sleep
I’m not joking here. Sleep is vital for our bodies, and it’s a huge part of self-care. Whether you factor in some little cat naps, especially out in the sun enjoying the warm weather.. Or just getting a full night’s sleep. Something as simple as catching up on your sleep can have a huge effect on your body.
11. Declutter and Get Organized
I’ve recently taken around 15-20 bags full of stuff to my local charity shop. They have been over the moon to receive the donations.. And it has felt so good emptying out the house. I never realized how much stuff I had here, and how much it wore me down! Emptying out and making a cleaner, more minimalist space.. And getting organized.. Has cleared up my mind so much. I wish I’d done it sooner!
12. Healthy and Delicious Meals
I got into bad habits for a little while about wanting a good takeaway or some junk food as part of self-care. But I quickly realized.. That’s really not working out for me. So now I try to prioritize making healthy and delicious meals for myself and honestly the difference I feel in myself is huge! Definitely give it a go.. And if you’re looking for recipe ideas, I always find the best ones on Instagram Reels and TikTok!
13. Volunteer
I have educator friends who try to pencil into their calendars 3-4 days over the summer to volunteer for causes that are personal to them. Whether it’s working in a charity shop, or volunteering at events.. They say that it really gives them the feel good factor.
14 Mindfulness or Meditation
This is not for everyone. And I’ll be the first to raise my hand and admit this is not for me. I’ve tried. Over and over and over. But, I’m just not someone who can meditate. However, if you are – there are so many benefits for self-care from this. Definitely don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
15. Digital Detox
Screens are all around us every day. Work. Home. Stores. Events.. Everywhere. Sometimes it’s really nice to be able to unplug and switch off from it all. I went on an amazing cruise for my birthday this year and purposely did not buy the internet package. I wanted to be able to completely switch off from my screens. And oh my gosh.. when I tell you that I felt like a different person.. It was amazing! While a cruise isn’t possible for everyone (definitely not a yearly thing here!) it does serve as a good reminder just how much a digital detox can do for us. This is true for social media too.. Social media can be the bane of our lives without even realizing.
16. Write in a Journal
I try to journal, but honestly I’m not consistent with it. However, if you like to get your thoughts down on paper, and just to organize them.. I think having a journal to write in is a huge benefit. Whether you want to make it part of a morning routine, or even a weekend routine. It’s definitely great for some self-care love.
17. Explore a Park or Natural Area
I’ve lived in the same area my whole life. And yet I never realized how much of it I haven’t seen until the last couple of years! So I joined a few local Facebook groups all about family adventures, and through the year I screenshot different places I want to explore with my toddler. I’m already so excited for the summer to be able to explore some new places!
18. Professional Development
We are all different. And while for some of us switching off completely from work is what gives us the self-care we need.. For others it may be a case of jumping onto a professional development course or conference. Whatever you think is best suited for you.. Go for it! Whether it’s something linked to your current career path, a future career path you’d like, or maybe even just a hobby!
19. Learn a New Skill or Take an Online Course
Similar to when we were discussing hobbies earlier on in this blog post.. Learning a new skill can be exciting! Over the years, I’ve definitely lost some of my Welsh language skills. So I’ve downloaded the Duolingo app and I’m currently working really hard to get back fluent in Welsh. And while it’s not technically a new skill, it’s refreshing an older one and I’m really excited about that!
20. Get Creative
Get your creative head on! Whether it’s going to be painting, writing.. Even clay modelling! Our brains love having the opportunity to get creative, and it’s so rewarding with the end result too. I’ve seen all different things, even painting with goats!
What self-care activities do you have planned for this summer? Leave a comment below to share your idea with others.
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Thanks,
Nikki
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