A Teacher’s Guide To Summer Self Care: Recharging for the Year Ahead

As the school year winds down and summer break begins, it's easy for teachers to feel a mix of relief and exhaustion. The long days, the endless grading, the emotional energy poured into every lesson, and the responsibility for shaping young minds can take a toll. But as the classroom door closes, it’s time for teachers to focus on something equally important: themselves.

Summer is the perfect opportunity for teachers to recharge, rejuvenate, and focus on self-care. After all, how can we give our best to our students if we aren’t at our best? Here are some tips for teachers to practice self-care during the summer and come back to the classroom feeling energized and ready for a new year.

1. Take a Break (and a Nap!)

The first step to summer self-care is to allow yourself to do nothing. If you’re anything like many teachers, you’ve spent the past 9-10 months running on adrenaline. Now’s the time to let that energy dissipate.

Give yourself permission to sleep in, take afternoon naps, or simply enjoy lazy mornings with a cup of coffee in hand. Sleep is one of the most important components of self-care, especially for teachers who often deal with a lack of sleep during the school year. Replenish your body’s energy stores by focusing on rest.

2. Reconnect with Your Passions

The school year often leaves little time for personal hobbies and interests. But summer is a golden opportunity to reconnect with activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s reading for pleasure (not professional development!), hiking, painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, immerse yourself in something you love.

By nurturing your passions outside of the classroom, you remind yourself that you are more than just a teacher. You’re a multi-faceted individual with unique talents and interests. Taking time for these activities can provide a much-needed creative outlet and help replenish your energy.

3. Prioritize Physical Health

Your physical health directly impacts your mental and emotional well-being. Teachers spend long hours on their feet, often rushing around from one task to the next. Summer is a great time to focus on your fitness and try new activities.

Whether it’s joining a yoga class, going for regular runs, or even just taking long walks in nature, getting your body moving is vital. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress. Plus, regular exercise can boost energy levels, making you feel more vibrant and ready to take on the next school year.

4. Set Boundaries (And Stick to Them)

During the school year, it’s easy for teachers to slip into the habit of answering emails late at night or constantly thinking about lesson plans. But summer is your time to set clear boundaries for your work-life balance.

Decide how much time you want to spend on school-related tasks (if any) and stick to it. If you choose to take the entire summer off from grading, professional development, or planning, do it without guilt. The work will always be there when you return, but your well-being should come first.

5. Pamper Yourself with a Spa Day (or Week!)

Teachers work hard all year long, and we deserve to be pampered. A spa day—whether it’s at a professional spa or a DIY version at home—can be an incredibly rejuvenating experience.

Take a long bath with essential oils, do a face mask, and give yourself the time to slow down and unwind. Massage your tired muscles, get a manicure or pedicure, or just enjoy the quiet for a few hours. Giving yourself the gift of relaxation will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the school year ahead.

6. Spend Time with Loved Ones

Teacher burnout often stems from the emotional labor of being “on” all the time for students. But during the summer, it’s important to reconnect with family and friends—those people who make you feel supported and loved. Spend quality time with loved ones, engage in meaningful conversations, and share laughs. These connections can ground you and provide the emotional replenishment you need.

7. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

As teachers, we’re often juggling a million things at once, which can lead to high levels of stress. Mindfulness practices, like meditation, deep breathing, and journaling, can be incredibly helpful for reducing anxiety and re-centering your thoughts.

You don’t need to spend hours meditating to feel the benefits; even just 5-10 minutes a day can make a big difference. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations, or you can simply sit in a quiet place, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. This small practice can help reset your mind and keep you grounded in the present moment.

8. Explore New Ideas (Without the Pressure)

While the summer is a time to rest, it can also be a great opportunity to explore new teaching ideas or subjects that you’ve been curious about. This doesn’t mean you need to dive into hours of professional development, but it could mean reading about new teaching strategies, exploring innovative classroom tech, or brainstorming ways to enhance your curriculum next year.

Sometimes, getting creative with new ideas when the pressure of the school year isn’t weighing on you can be more fun and inspiring.

9. Declutter Your Space

After a busy year, it’s easy to let things pile up in the classroom or even at home. A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind, so use some of your free time to declutter.

Tidy up your home, reorganize your classroom materials, or sort through old teaching resources. A clean, organized space can feel incredibly refreshing and will help you feel more focused when it’s time to get back to work.

10. Practice Gratitude

Finally, a powerful way to reset your mindset is through gratitude. As teachers, it’s easy to focus on the challenges, but taking time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for can have a profound impact on your mental health.

Each morning or night, jot down a few things you’re grateful for—whether it’s a sunny day, a kind gesture from a colleague, or the fact that you’re taking time for yourself. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help shift your perspective, reduce stress, and create a sense of peace during your well-deserved break.

Final Thoughts

Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially for teachers who give so much of themselves throughout the school year. Summer is the perfect time to press the reset button and nurture your well-being. By prioritizing rest, reconnecting with your passions, and setting boundaries, you can return to the classroom feeling energized, inspired, and ready to make a difference once again.

So, as you begin your summer break, remember: You deserve this time to care for yourself. Embrace it fully, and you’ll be better equipped to give your best to your students when the new school year begins.

Enjoy your summer, and take care of YOU!