Summer is a great time for Teachers to finally take some time for themselves! Being a Teacher can feel like a 24/7 job, once the classroom door is locked and school staff depart the school for summer break, some Teachers have difficulty switching off from teaching mode.

Do you still think about marking, lesson planning, class results when you are on your holiday?

Here are our 5 tips for summer self care, to help you put yourself first.

1) Switch Off

We know this is easier said than done! You can do this by trying to go a week without checking school emails. By consciously avoiding doing school related things such as preparing lessons, marking and thinking about the return to the classroom. If you do need to work, you can set physical boundaries by completing your work in an area that you don’t associate with relaxation. This means that when it’s relaxation time you won’t be associating your calm space with concentration and work.

2) Stop Feeling Guilty

Over the past couple of years, it’s been hugely challenging for Teachers and school staff who have kept the education industry afloat in desperate times. As a result of this, Teachers have spent a lot of time taking care of others this year, and it is unsurprising many are feeling guilty for finally having a break and taking time for themselves.

On top of this Teachers are made to feel fortunate and lucky for having a summer break when most professions do not. This results in Teachers feeling like they should be spending their time doing certain things and if they’re not meeting expectations this results in feelings of guilt. Educators need to remove the mindset that you have to be productive all of the time. This is your time, if you want to use it to get lots of jobs done around the house then go for it. If you want to binge watch a show on the couch for the day, then you’re totally within your rights to do so! This is your holiday so do what makes you feel happy.

3) Clear the Clutter

Clearing out the clutter can calm your mind and increase your wellbeing. Our spaces can often reflect our state of mind. Start with the room you are going to spend the most time in. Look at everything you have as you sort through. Have you used it in the last few months? Does it bring you value? Does it bring you joy?

If the answer is ‘No’, stick whatever it is into a box for the charity shop or sell the items online; someone else will find the value or joy.

4) Do Things That You Enjoy

Are you guilty of not indulging in things that you genuinely enjoy and opt for scrolling on your phone? You’re not alone! This summer make it your mission to do at least 5 activities solely for you, that give you a greater sense of satisfaction. Read a book, enjoy a film you’ve been desperate to see or do something physical like swimming or head to the gym.

5) Reconnect

Now you’re starting to disconnect, you will feel your mind and time begin to clear. Use this time to reconnect with those important people in your life. Teaching, like many professions, demands a lot from you; emotionally, intellectually and physically. Term-time sees us often neglect some of our relationships or prevents us from developing new ones. Call that friend, arrange that brunch date, and visit that family member you’ve been putting off.

We hope this blog post has given you some helpful tips and from the team here at Caring Services, we hope you have a fantastic summer break. If you are a teacher looking for a new start in September, check out our teaching vacancies… Now is the time to get registered with us.