The end of the school year is upon us and if you are anything like me at the end of the year that means TIRED and a little STRESSED OUT by all the things there are to do in order to wind up the year. And this year – well I don’t know if I need to say anything more! What a year it has been. Teacher stress is at an all time high and I don’t think we’ve ever needed summer more.
Hey stressed out teacher – this post if just for you. I mean you – not your students – just you! This time of year teacher stress is high, and understandably so. You have been pouring your heart and soul into your job for 9 months and despite the fact that you love it, you’re tired. Been there! The end of the school year comes with so many hurdles to jump, “i’s” to dot and “t’s” to cross. It’s stressful, you know it, and you do your very best not to share or show that stress with your students or your family. Been there too! But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your much deserved break is quickly approaching and I want nothing more that for you to take some time to say goodbye to your stress. That’s what today’s post is all about and it’s just for you!
Top 5 Ways to Say Goodbye to Stress
Sure there are lots of way to de-stress. Here are my Top 5 Ways to de-stress and enjoy a stress free summer! Over the years I’ve tried many different things but these 5 work every time.
1. End of the Year Massage
Yep – I do this – every single year. In fact, my end of the year massage appointment is booked months in advance and I look forward to it for months too. When I get stressed I carry my stress in my muscles. My back cramps up and gets very tight. Sometimes it is physically painful. But I don’t just go get massage because of that. I really enjoy the quiet “me time” too.
I have a massage therapist that I adore, and over the years has become a great friend. She is an amazing person that I enjoy chatting with and she has these fingers that know just where to find my stress knots. I call them her magic fingers! ๐ My body gets physically relaxed, my mind gets relaxed, and I leave there rejuvenated and ready to take on summer!
If you’ve never had a massage I highly recommend one. If you’ve got a thing about not doing it, a facial or good pedicure works just as well! Make some time for a little pampering!
2. Set School Aside
For me, and many of you this one is hard but I think it is so important. Set school aside. Don’t work on next year, don’t beat yourself up over this year. Just set it aside for a little while. For me, I don’t do anything school related for at least 2-4 weeks. I just need that time to unwind a little and connect with the rest of my life that seems to get shoved on the back burner during the school year. I can’t say a specific amount of time because I think it differs for everyone. But if you are like me, you know when you are ready to start thinking about it again. Make yourself set is aside if even just for a couple weeks. I’m pretty sure you’ll be glad you did!
3. Spend Time with Those You Love
For me this is my family. I love spending time with my family and during the school year that family time just seems so little. I love using the time of the summer to just be together, do some fun things, go on vacation, reconnect, be silly together and make memories. I also love reconnecting with friends during the summer. Take the time – make the time to spend with those you love.
4. Partake in a Hobby
I’ll be the first to admit that this one is tough for me – really tough. Why? Well I’ve always said that teaching was my hobby because I love it so much. Sorry – but for our de-stressing summer that just won’t count (and it violates #2).
When I have to think about a hobby I just can’t. There was a period of time that life was just so busy that I didn’t have time for a hobby. So in recent years I have started making myself take time to find a hobby, do something I enjoy, or learn something new.
Now you are likely to find me behind my camera lens. I started taking pictures to preserve memories, but I’ve found that I really, really enjoy it. It’s relaxing to me and I love seeing God’s amazing creation from a different perspective or viewpoint. I’ve found myself camera to my eye, chasing a butterfly through a field without realizing it. Yep – really happened – multiple time! Whatever it is you enjoy – make time for it. Here’s the camera I use and LOVE! It’s not the newest model but it still takes amazing pictures!
Don’t have a hobby? Here’s some ideas: reading, writing, journaling, music, learn a new instrument, scrapbooking (paper or digital), shopping (YES – this is a real hobby!!!!), hiking, running, antiquing, thrift store shipping, repurposing, singing, learn a foreign language, gardening, bird watching . . . I hope you get the idea. Find something you enjoy doing and make a little time this summer to do it! Maybe these things will give you a little inspiration!
This NIV bible has space for journaling inside! I’ve seen this and it is beautiful. A great way to get started in journaling and bible study!
Spend some time cooking or learning to cook. Whether you choose the homey-comfort food style of Magnolia Table or a different style, cooking can be very therapeutic. {The scone recipe is AH-MAY-ZING!)
Try something that you’ve never done before. I’ve always wanted to learn to paint but never have. Maybe this will be the summer I do it!
5. Get Away
Sometimes getting away from home – the place where all the responsibilities and duties remain – is just what the tired teacher needs. Find a little bed and breakfast in a quiet town, or spend a couple days in the bustle of the city.
No better time than the present to start crossing some of these places off your bucket list!
Or if you are really adventurous, let the folks at Pack Up & Go plan your trip for you. It’s a surprise travel agency. You set the parameters on cost, number of days, things you like and then let them do the rest. Now – I have not personally used their services – but it sounds like quite a fun adventure!
Even if you are not ready to pack up and leave town, a STAY-CATION can be fun too. Take a few days and be a tourist in your own hometown! The goal is to step away from the dirty laundry, the floor that needs to be mopped or the planning notebook for next year. Just a couple days away from it all makes me feel like a new person!
I hope that you will make time to do 1, 2 all 5 of these things. I want nothing more than for you to have an amazing, rejuvenating, stress free summer!
I’ll do the massage! Thanks for all the great ideas!
It’s so worth it!
So true! 2 weeks left and so much to do!
Good luck in your last 2 weeks Jackie!
I need to spend time with my family.
I hope you enjoy every minute of it and make some great memories!
I plan to spend time with my loved ones. I will spend time with my mom and my sons as well attend my niece’s wedding. I’ll also see my grandkids and travel across country (literally) to take my son to college.
That sounds like a great summer Susan! Enjoy!
I am going to focus on number 5 this summer. I need to get back on a exercise routine and now is the time to do it.
Me too Diana! I’ll be right there with ya!
Thank you for sharing your list! I also like to get a massage at the end of the school year. I go to the chiropractor on a regular basis but also love to get a massage. Have a wonderful summer!
You to Liz!
You are so right about walking away from all school-related things for several weeks. It took me years to learn this. I could hardly wait for school to be out so I could get a good start on the next year and really be ready! Haha…no matter how hard I tried, I was never completely ready and I had lost a great chance to recharge. Please, everyone, give yourselves this time to relax and reconnect to your life. You’ll be a better teacher and better at everything in your life!
I realized that it didn’t matter how early I started on next year (or how late for that matter) – it always took however long I gave myself. If I started July 1 then it took me all of July and part of August. If I started August 1 then I could get it done.
The last few years I have rented a cottage at the beach for two weeks so I can spend quality time with my family. It forces me to get out of the city and out of teacher mode (although I do still hit the dollar stores).
That sounds absolutely wonderful Sidney!
Thanks for the reminder to take time to renew and refresh!
It’s so important! I just wish it didn’t take me til my 40’s to learn that lesson!
I really want to enjoy the summer with my family! Sometimes we get so caught up, we forget to enjoy the quality time with the ones who mean the most. Thanks for the giveaway ๐
So true Amy – they seem to take the brunt of our passion.
I want to walk in the mornings & drink water WHENEVER I WANT! ๐ (No waiting for the RECESS bell!) HAHA Wendy 1stgradefireworks
There is something to be said to being on our own schedule – if only for a few months!
Thanks for the tips and for the giveaway. The end is almost near. Just 13 more days.
You are welcome Amanda. I hope you enjoy the last 13 days!
I am going to spend more time with my family and get lots of rest.
aaaaahhhhhh! Just saying rest helps me relax a little!
Certainly massages and taking care of myself!
It’s so important and amazing how much it benefits us (not just physically).
I want to spend time with my family!
I hope you enjoy every minute of that Lori!
I will definitely be spending time with my son, and our foster kids! ๐
That sounds just perfect!
A massage sounds great…I have often gotten one over Christmas break, but might have to start a new end of year tradition!
It’s a great tradition to start!
For me, your last 3 ideas sound terrific!
I hope you are able to do all 3 of them Teresa!
Massage! Best idea ever.
It really is pretty great Rachel! I hope you can enjoy one!
As much as I love teaching (and running), I’d love to partake in a new hobby that is not related to it! I’m thinking about cooking.
That sounds like fun! I love to cook – but only when I’m not exhausted or stressed. Summer cooking is some of my favorite!
Never had a massage – so it may be worth a try… ๐
Do it- you won’t regret it!!!
I am thinking about a new hobby….helping out with a cat rescue.
Thanks for all the great ideas. A massage may be in order too. ?
That sounds great Bev!!!
I’m planning on spending time with those I love! I just got married in April and have barely sen my husband! I can’t wait to relax and spend more time with him this summer.
I hope you enjoy your time this summer as a newlywed!!
I need a hobby that’s relaxing!
I’d say think about things you are passionate about or enjoy doing. Do you like being around other people or helping people – maybe volunteering somewhere. Do you like being alone? Maybe reading, hiking, journaling. Do you enjoy making things? Maybe some up-cycling, DIYing? I hope you find something that you LOVE to do and helps you relax and rejuvenate!