Did you recently wake up and realize that summer break is halfway over? As you regroup and rejuvenate from the previous year, it can be difficult to wrap your mind around the fact that the new school year is only a few or several weeks away. You don’t have to spend the next month and a half worrying about the new school year. Use our tips and suggestions to enjoy what remains of summer vacation without feeling unprepared for the first day of school.
What to Do to Relieve New School Year Stress
1. Free Your Mind of School-Related Thoughts.
Do you find yourself making a mental to-do or shopping list for school instead of enjoying a movie or conversation? Keep a pad of paper next to your bed and in the kitchen for a running school-related list. Write down your thoughts, and then return your focus to the present.
2. Sign Up for Professional Development You Enjoy.
Professional development is important to maintaining your teaching certificate. Participate in a workshop or seminar that focus on an educational topic you feel passionate about. Feeling engaged and enthusiastic will energize and stimulate you, rather than stress you out.
3. Get Together with Teaching Buddies.
Spend time once per month having lunch or coffee with one or more of your teaching buddies. Devote equal amounts of time to talking about summertime enjoyment and school-related concerns. Commiserating and problem-solving together can relieve a lot of stress. You can also spend time reading a book with effective teacher ideas and discuss it with colleagues.
Tips for Enjoying the Last Few Weeks
1. Get Away for a While.
You don’t have to leave the country to get away. Visit family or friends, or simply unplug for a few days and spend the time doing only things you enjoy.
2. Do the Little Things You Can’t Do During the School Year.
Sleep in, stay up late. Wear your pajamas all day long, or take off on a last-minute day trip.
3. Dive Headlong into a Hobby or Project.
Direct your thoughts away from school by getting involved with a DIY or a hobby you’ve always wanted to take up.
A few weeks before you return to school, place your order for the supplies and items you’ve put on your list. When you start setting up your classroom for the new school year, you’ll already have the important items that were on your mind midway through summer break. We look forward to helping you enjoy the rest of your summer and get ready for the next school year.
More Summer and Back to School Content
If you’re looking for more ideas and ways to take advantage of the summer season before the school year begins, check out the Teacher Life category on our blog. Also be sure to stop by our online store to see the latest ideas for classroom decor, supplies, and fun tools to make this year the best one yet.
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