Still lying awake thinking about your planning? You need our help!
Most teachers in the UK have been on holiday for a few weeks now. However, if you’re anything like the Ticked Off Teacher, you’re still struggling to slip into full holiday zen mode. Today we’ve gathered up some tried and true techniques for making the most out of your time off.
1) Get away early and have a change of scene
If you’re lucky enough to be going on holiday, try to suppress the urge to keep working and get yourself straight on a holiday. The change of scene can really help to put distance between you and work. Try to go somewhere with no visual reminders of school or children, think adults-only resort! If you’re planning on staying at home, do your best to remove cues that are going to remind you of school. Leave your teacher bag in the cupboard for at least a week so you can begin to unwind.
2) Unplug
It can be tempting to relax by spending those forbidden midday hours scrolling mindlessly through your phone. However, you’re bound to come across posts from a teaching group, an update from a colleague, or yet another classroom ‘inspiration’ picture to drag you mentally straight back to work. If you have time, perhaps think about creating ‘teacher’ social media to keep your personal and professional scrolling separate. Try and spend the time doing things you wouldn’t normally have the time to do and making the most of places being less busy midweek.
3) Routine
You have sleep to catch up on right? Yes, but try to keep yourself in a somewhat regular routine of sleep, eating and exercise etc. otherwise you can find yourself becoming more groggy and exhausted! You will spend the first weeks of term getting the children in a good routine, now listen to your own advice!
4) Indulge in some self-care
Bubble baths, gardening, walking, whatever it may be. Make time for the things that make you feel good and you don’t normally have time for. Try making a list at the beginning of the break and seeing how many you can tick off. It can be useful to schedule things in advance and try to hold yourself accountable to stop self-care from being something else to put off to tomorrow.
5) If you must work…
Some people benefit and feel more relaxed by getting things done. Try not to get yourself into a cycle of finding yourself work-related jobs to do to keep yourself busy. This can sometimes feel easier than thinking and organising things that you actually want to do. As with self-care, try and make a list of tasks that actually need completing and days you’re going to block off to complete them. Make sure the tasks are meaningful and productive and not an excuse for not having found anything better to do.
Overall, enjoy yourself! You have worked very hard all year and deserve this break. Come back in September rested and refreshed and ready for another round!
Signed,
Ticked Off Teacher 