Self Care For Teachers: 5 Ways To Treat Yourself This Summer 

Summer vacation is almost upon us and hard-working teachers in France and across the Northern Hemisphere are in the final stretch before putting their feet up after a long academic year.

Teaching is one of the most rewarding and important professions, and teachers work hard – day and night – to provide the best possible education to their students. The strive to do the best for others never ends for teachers, but summer break is the time for educators to truly treat themselves. 

June 24th is also International Self Care Day, and as the sun sets on the teaching year, self care for teachers is more important than ever. 

So put your feet up, recharge for the academic year ahead, and indulge in these self care tips for teachers. 

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Prioritise screen free time 

Teachers spend so much time in front of screens, whether we are teaching English online, communicating with parents, planning future coursework, Googling fun class ideas or marking assignments until late into the night. Summer is the time to turn on your out of office notifications, close your laptop, avoid your phone and take some well needed time away from screens. This is important for so many physical and mental reasons nowadays, and to really unplug and decompress. 

Summer is the time to do all those physical things that don’t involve screens – sleep late, read actual books that have been piling up on your bookshelf all year, deep clean your home and embrace time away from technology. It’s okay to switch off from the constant demand of emails and online communications this summer – you need it and deserve it! 

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Sleep deeply and restfully – and often! 

Speaking of sleep, there’s few things that teachers need that are more important. During the year, teachers compete with early mornings and late nights, so this summer make a promise to yourself to get quality sleep as often as you can – and don’t feel bad about it!

Sleep ensures that our bodies and minds can effectively recharge, restore and rejuvenate. If the summer sun setting late and rising early impacts your sleep cycle, invest in a good quality eye mask or blackout blinds to ensure you can sleep soundly without disruption.

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Take up an enriching hobby 

As teachers, we often cite teaching as a hobby of ours. And while that passion for your career is so important, it’s also important to cultivate hobbies outside of your 9-5. If they don’t involve screens – even better – but of course, many will. 

Throw yourself into learning the art of ceramics, taking a creative writing course, self-publishing an e-book you’ve been meaning to write, joining a local sports team or becoming a budding gardener. Having a hobby that fulfils you and lights your soul on fire is as rewarding as having a career you love. 

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Soak up that Vitamin Sea (and D!)

It’s summer and for many of us, that means long, lazy days on the beach. Salt water has a host health benefits and is incredibly restorative, so make the most of the heat and head to the coast when you can. 

If you are located in Paris, like we are, there are a range of beautiful French beaches that you can day trip to. If you’re willing to go a little further and treat yourself to a beachside vacation, check out our blog listing the best French Riviera vacation destinations. 

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Spend time with loved ones 

Self care for teachers is often neglected in the form of spending the time we would like to with our loved ones. With long days and busy schedules to compete with, it’s not always easy to slot in time to quality time with our nearest and dearest. 

This summer, make sure to leave your schedule open to catching up with as many people as you can. Personal connections that enhance your life are so important to our overall health, and now’s the time to catch up on all the chats you’ve missed over the course of the year. Making sure to cultivate these relationships throughout the teaching year is also important. 

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Fuel your body with the right stuff 

Second to sleep, healthy eating and getting moving are both of paramount importance to everyone, including teachers. They keep us healthy, fights off viruses that can be lurking around the classroom and provide a sense of calm and balance that is vital. 

Summer is the best time to indulge in healthy food and to get your body moving. Produce is fresh and colourful at this time of year, the sun is out and people feel more social and energetic. Having a healthy summer detox can put you in good stead for the year ahead. Even if it means blending yourself a superfood smoothie and taking a long, meandering walk each day, taking deep breaths – you’ll feel so much better for it. 

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Plan the year ahead 

Many teachers, especially from the middle of summer break onwards, start to feel the creeping anxiety of planning courses for the upcoming academic year. One self care for teachers tip that can alleviate any last-minute worry is to set dedicated time throughout the break to sit down –  even for half an hour – and to tick one item off your list that will take the pressure off you later. 

Whether that’s purchasing new school supplies, building a new, streamlined spreadsheet to make sure next year is organised and stress-free, or simply connecting with a fellow teacher to brainstorm ideas, planning ahead will ensure you start the new year with a bang – confident and excited for what’s to come! 

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What is your favourite self care for teachers tip?

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