Whether you are traveling out of town or staying home, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time away from school. Here are some ideas for ways to make the most of your break.
- Unplug – Hopefully, you left your school computer parked on your desk at school! If not, don’t turn it on until the end of the week. We’re all guilty of being attached to social media and our phones. Unplugging is good for your mental health.
- Sleep – Studies show that 43% of teachers sleep less than 6 hours a night and 64% note that they feel drowsy during the day. Spring break can be a good time to establish a healthy sleep routine. Rest is good for the mind and body and helps you be better prepared and alert during the day.
- Drink a hot cup of coffee – Do you even remember the last time you actually sat down and enjoyed a hot cup of coffee or other favorite beverage? I’m sure it’s been a long time. Spring break is the perfect time to savor the simple pleasure of drinking a cup of coffee without the chaos of the classroom.
- Plan NOTHING – When was the last time you had absolutely nothing on the calendar? Intentionally leave at least a few hours over break when you have no commitments, no need to be anywhere or do anything in particular. Relax!
- Enjoy time with family and friends – Balancing work and family life can be a challenge. Even though we are “with” our families our minds are often wandering to the next thing on our to-do lists or we’re listening with only half an ear while they are trying to communicate with us. Make time this week to call your family and friends and catch up on their lives. Load your kids in the car and enjoy a day at the park. Go out to lunch with friends. Have your family or friends over for a casual dinner or order takeout. Grab the paper plates and cups and simply enjoy time together.
- Treat yourself – Go get a mani/pedi, get a facial, sit and read a whole book, stick your feet in the sand at the beach, hike your favorite path. Binge-watch those Netflix shows you’ve been dying to see. Grab your favorite food, eat an ice cream cone. Whatever it is that makes you happy and refreshed, do that.
- Explore new things – Take a field trip in your own town or travel far. Either way, take some time to have an adventure and learn new things about the world around you.
- Play outside – Kids aren’t the only ones who need time playing outside! Spending time in the great outdoors is good for everyone. Go to the park, take a walk, sit outside and read a book. There’s no shame in blowing bubbles and writing on the sidewalk with the kids. Fly a kite at the beach, search for shells. Ride a bike or plant some flowers. Fresh air and sunshine are good for you!
- Hit the reset button – We are so busy rushing here and there, and checking off all the items from our long to-do lists that it’s easy to lose sight of the important things in life. Take a little time this week to hit the reset button and refocus on what really matters.
- Catch up – Let’s face it, you probably brought home some school work that needs your attention. Take a little time to take care of unfinished work and get ready for the end of the year. It’s nice to head back from break prepped and ready without incomplete projects hanging over your head.
Spring break is the perfect time to recharge, refocus and refresh your mind and body! Maybe you won’t get to everything you wanted to do on Spring Break, but that’s okay, you can start making your summer bucket list.
Teia Hoover Baker is an educator, published author, and entrepreneur. She is an innovative, devoted educator whose career has been dedicated to coordinating programs that support struggling learners. Her passion is meeting students where they are and guiding them to excel. Her main focus is always what is best for children. Teia holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Master’s of Education. In her spare time, she enjoys being Lovie to her growing grandchildren.
