Since Thanksgiving, your emails have been filled with end-of-year must-do’s. There were assessments to complete and administer, planning meetings, team meetings, administrative meetings. Add to that class musical performances, campus events, end of year fundraisers, the list just seemed never-ending. Top it all off with all the holiday high jinx the last week of school and you have a recipe for very tired teachers and administrators ready for a long winter’s nap! Except, let’s face it, in addition to all the gifts and goodies you hauled out to your car on the last day, you also carried out your laptop and a pile of papers and things to do while you’re “off”. We just can’t help it, we are just wired that way, we can’t just leave it all there to handle in January, after all, we don’t leave most days without taking work home to do, so a couple of weeks off seems like the perfect time to tackle all that undone stuff and get ahead for the next semester. Right? You drove off the school parking lot with your head full of lists of things that you have to do to get ready for the holiday and no sugar plums in sight. This may be a fun list, but it can also be stressful. Ugh, more stress.
We’re just a few days from Christmas. Have you taken any time to take a deep breath and just relax for a while? Have you gone to a party or enjoyed time with family? Have you been really present without thinking of everything you have to do? I hope you answered yes to both of these questions, but if you didn’t I have a challenge for you, just do a thing or two for you. Here’s a list of low to no stress activities to enjoy the season without completely “unplugging” from everything.
- Get some extra sleep
- Grab breakfast with a friend before running errands
- Pamper yourself with a massage, mani or pedi
- Take a long soak in the tub
- Take a walk alone, with someone, or your favorite pet
- Read a book, a magazine, or just something fun
- Set your phone on silent, just for a little while
- Limit time on social media
- Get out your craft supplies or grab a coloring book and get creative
- Watch your favorite movie
- Say no, and don’t beat yourself up about it
There are so many ways to add joy to the holidays. Do the things you want to do with the people you love. Leave that big bag of school stuff alone, it can wait a little while longer. Relax, have fun, savor time with family friends, all that school stuff will be there another day.
Happy Holidays to you and yours! May your days be filled with love, and laughter!
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.
