10 Tips to Recharge Over Winter Break

Woohoo!  It's almost here!  As teachers, we give our all to our students and sometimes, we just need a minute to take a breath so we can bring our best every day.  Winter Break is the perfect time to get this must needed rest to recharge and come back in the new year refreshed and ready to go!  Here are 10 of my favorite ways to do just that.

1. Turn off that alarm

Not having to set an alarm and get up at an ungodly hour for a couple of weeks is pure heaven.  While I have my own 6 and 9 year old alarms that will have me up by 6:30am, I'd much rather wake up to their smiling faces than my alarm clock.  Even that little bit of extra sleep can make a big difference.

2. Read a book

I never seem to have the time to read during the school year.  School breaks are a great time to let go and find time to read that book you've had your eye on for a while.  Any must reads on your list?

3. Binge watch a favorite show

Netflix and my DVR are my besties on breaks.  I can get so behind on my favorites, especially during the fall semester.  I've got the entire series of This Is Us just waiting for me on the DVR.  I can't wait to dive in!

4. Exercise

Here's the thing about exercise, the more you do it, the better you feel.  I tend to make excuses and don't make it a priority at the start of the school year.  Winter break is a great time to get back on track.  With no set schedule, you can even find a class that happens in the middle of the day!

5. Get outside

Whether you live where it snows or not, find some time to get outside and grab some fresh air!  Go for a walk, take in a hike, build a snowman, or go ice skating.  The fresh air can help to clear your mind.

6. Unplug

Put the school work away.  Turn off your email.  Take a social media break.  All of these can be so hard for us to do.  I have a really hard time turning off my "teacher brain."  Once in a while, it's important to let it go and be present.  The holiday season is a great time to do that.

7. Indulge

Do something nice for yourself!  Get a mani/pedi, a massage, or simply take a bath.  Use the time you have to take care of yourself and do something you don't usually take the time for.

8. Get creative

You know that Pinterest project you've been wanting to do?  Or that pile of photos you've been meaning to scrapbook?  Now is the time!  Get your creative juices flowing and finish that project!

9. Family Time

Besides celebrating the holidays, spending quality time with family always makes me feel better.  We like to find time to have a movie night, a family game night, or even just read books together.  Quality family time is good for the soul.  Make those memories!

10. Girls (or Boys) Night Out

Making time to hang out with friends can be hard with our busy schedules (and the fact that I'm usually in bed by 9pm!).  Winter break is an awesome time to make plans with friends and to get out and enjoy some fun.  

What would you add to the list?

Whatever you choose to do, make sure to take care of yourself!  We can't be everything for our students if we don't take care of ourselves first.  I hope you have a restful and relaxing Winter Break!