Teacher burnout is a serious and growing issue in the world of education. More and more educators are feeling overworked and overwhelmed by the demands of their schools. Ideally, summer would offer a reprieve for exhausted educators, but stress can become strangely addictive. Many educators spend their summer months planning and prepping for the fall. As a result, they end up depleting whatever diminished reserves of passion for education they still retained.
It doesn’t have to be this way. There are simple strategies which every educator can implement over the summer months to ensure they rest, recharge, and restore themselves in both body and mind. How these strategies are used will differ from educator to educator. All that matters is that teachers use them to maximize the time and benefits of the summer season.
The first and easiest strategy is to plan a digital detox. It’s no coincidence that phones and tablets have become an essential part of daily life. Companies have poured billions of dollars into making sure these devices demand every second of our time and attention. For many of us, being without these devices creates an unbearable sense of anxiety – not the hallmark of a healthy mindset! Instead of spending time scrolling through social media, teachers should set down their devices in a designated area and step into the outdoors. Walk a nature path, plant some flowers, go fishing or swimming. A little time outdoors, away from the countless screens, can do wonders for a teacher’s mental and physical health!
A second possibility for teachers is to revamp their routine. When humans create habits that promote growth and well-being, they’re more likely to see improvements in all areas of life. Sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, so creating a sleep schedule can help teachers find a sense of balance throughout the summer. After that, making space for friendships and building up a strong sense of community can work to improve their emotional health. Even creating time for boredom allows a teacher’s mind to cool down, reset, and meet the day with a cleared head.
Finally, it’s important that every teacher takes the opportunity to celebrate their success. Every school year is filled with unexpected challenges and grueling obstacles. Teachers who simply lurch from one year to the next often fail to see the improvement they’ve made and rob themselves of valuable recognition – even if that recognition is their own. The summer season is a time when educators should celebrate their triumphs. Whether this means treating themselves to a nice dinner, splurging on something fun, or enjoying a fun pastime is their prerogative. What matters is that their amazing work is sufficiently rewarded.
Teachers undoubtedly deserve every moment of tranquility they can afford. We hope that this summer, they grant themselves permission to simply exist in whatever way brings them peace. Now is the time to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate our passion for teaching. Let’s not waste a single moment!