5 Educator Must-Do's During Winter Break
Dear educator, winter break is finally here! It's time to relax and recharge before the new year. Here are five fun and healthy must-do's during your time away from the classroom:
1. Catch up on sleep.
Most educators could use more sleep. Likely you're nodding your head in agreement. During winter break, take some time to catch up on your ZZZs. Stress builds up and can lead to all kinds of health problems, including dementia and cardiac-related issues.
Consistently getting seven to nine hours of sleep reduces stress. As you know, teachers often carry around plenty of stress. Treat yourself by working on reducing yours this winter break.
2. Play with your pets.
Pets are known for their unconditional love. Spend time with your furry friend(s) to appreciate how much they mean to you. Don't have a dog, cat, or even a goldfish? Head to the shelter immediately! Plenty of research says that engaging with pets improves our mental and physical well-being.
3. Read, read, read ... for enjoyment—not for work!
Winter break is the perfect time to catch up on all the books you haven't had time to read. If pleasure reading is something you struggle with, try the small but powerful book called Teaching in Magenta; it is relaxing, entertaining, and will improve your self-care while making you a better teacher and school leader.
4. Bake or cook (if hanging in the kitchen is your thing).
The winter season is perfect for baking and cooking yummy treats with family members and friends. Eating what you bake or cook can be tremendously rewarding. Just remember not to overindulge. Want to combine your joy of cooking with a new teaching method?
Learn how to meet learning outcomes when you bring food into your classroom in Hacking Engagement.
5. Focus on self-care.
This one is probably the most important. Take time to relax and do things you enjoy. Whether that means taking a hot bath, watching your favorite holiday movie, writing in your daily journal, or spending time with loved ones, make sure to take time for yourself!
Spending winter break relaxing and having fun is a great way to recharge for the new year. Educators, you can prioritize your enjoyment of all that winter break has to offer! From catching up on sleep to reading your favorite book, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this reprieve from the classroom.
Enjoy your break and the holidays.
