4 Different Ways for Teachers to Recharge
Taking advantage of the summer
What does it take to be a teacher?
Some are under the impression that it’s an easy job filled with short hours, full weekends, and long holidays. That couldn’t be any farther from the truth.
While being an educator has certainly some good advantages, great moments and leaves you with some truly rewarding feelings; there’s no denying that it requires an extreme amount of work and dedication.
As a teacher, I can attest to all of that and more. There were some days where I just found myself crashed on the couch, couldn’t even make it to the bedroom. There’s no denying that every job leaves you with moments like that. The only difference is, an educators job and performance has a direct impact on the future of these young students.
It’s a big responsibility and staying at a 100% is a crucial and very tough requirement. Here’s a few things you can try that could help you recharge your batteries, and maintain your passion for teaching:
Take a technology break
Our job as educators requires us to move from our laptops at home, to our mobile phones, and our work computers. This could lead to fatigue. An easy way to fix this is to simply stay away from it. Put your phone on “do not disturb”, set an auto-reply on your email to “away from office”, and just stay away from your laptop. You’ll begin to feel the effects in just a few days; although I’m sure a lot might cheat for a few minutes a day.
Take a break from students and go out
It’s pretty straightforward. You don’t need to teach a summer class. Get back in touch with those friends you haven’t been able to see much throughout the year, plan a day or a night out, and just go!
Get in touch with your hobbies
Whatever they are, use the summer to do more of them; whether it’s singing, writing, fishing, or playing an instrument. Practicing what you love helps clear your mind very quickly, and it also has a very useful side effect: it trains you on how to motivate your students better.
Go on a real vacation
The ultimate remedy for anything and everything! Pack your bags and fly off to a place you’ve always wanted to go to. Explore the landscape, get to know the culture, enjoy the local cuisine, and relax on the beach. There’s really no need to oversell why this is probably the best thing you can do to recharge your batteries.
Taking time for themselves is crucial to any educator in order to give everything they have to their students. Don’t feel guilty to take advantage of this summer and recharge! By the beginning of the new school year, you’ll find yourself returning to your classroom with renewed energy, vigor, and joy.
