We all know that teaching will take every possible minute that you give it. When it comes to teaching, isn’t it true that you’re never done? Don’t you have huge lists, on paper or in your head, of all kinds of things you could do? We bet you could spend every day of your entire summer working in your classroom and still have a long list of things to do. Don’t do it! Instead, invest time this summer in taking care of yourself. You’ll be glad you did!

I think the best way to stay energized and enthusiastic about teaching is to use the summer break as a time to rejuvenate and re-energize! Here are my favorite surefire ways to make your summer restful and relaxing so you can head back to school this fall recharged and ready to go!

• Do something you truly enjoy every day.
  Start doing some of the things you love to do that you just don’t have time for during the school year. Read juicy novels, take long walks, gab on the phone for hours with friends, try those recipes that you’ve been saving that start with the words, “Begin this recipe at least a day ahead…”
• Relax your standards a bit.
  Does it really matter if there are some weeds in your garden or if you change your sheets on Sunday instead of Saturday? Summer is a great time to take a deep breath and let some of your worries go! After all, you can always get to it tomorrow, the next day or even the next week!
• Get together with friends on a weekly basis.
  Why not form a weekly breakfast club with friends? Meet at one anothers’ houses or go out to eat. How about a Tuesday night movie club? You can meet at the theater or alternate houses and rent DVD’s. It doesn’t matter what you do; the goal is to reconnect with friends you don’t see as much as you’d like during the school year!
• Allow time everyday for some peace and quiet.
  Life is hectic! Summer is the perfect time to slow down and reflect. Every day find a way to give yourself some quiet down time, even if it’s only for five minutes. Take the time to close your eyes and listen to your favorite music, soak in the tub, or take a walk. Give it a try for a week. Bet you’ll find yourself looking forward to your daily quiet time.
• Take a course to earn units for salary advancement and to gain some new ideas.
  Teachers should be well compensated. Take a look at your salary schedule and start earning units to move up the ladder. Summer is a more leisurely time to take courses. If you’re looking for courses that offer incredible flexibility while you’re gaining new skills and ideas, consider taking them online. Online courses are designed to fit your schedule without losing valuable time commuting to and from universities. (Of course, you’re encouraged to take a look at our 100% practical online courses for teachers at www.bgrubercourses.com)
• Count your blessings.
  Focus on the positive things in your life. Why do we tend to spend time agonizing over things that go wrong? For every one thing that does go wrong, dozens of things go right! Spend some time savoring all that is right in your world!
• Sometimes more is better!
  Summer vacation is magical yet it’s over so soon! Make more of a good thing! Here’s an easy way to increase your summer break by 175 minutes each week—get up 25 minutes early each day. How will you spend your bonus time? Relaxing with the morning paper and a big cup of coffee sounds heavenly to me! Spend the extra time doing something you love!

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Discussion for:
The Three R’s for Summer— Rest, Relax and Recharge!
Sue Gruber (June 2009 Gazette)

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