As the weather heats up, schools break for the summer means both teachers and students get a much-needed break from the school-day grind. For teachers, taking a break during the summer can feel impossible. Educators invest themselves into their students and schools so stepping back can be challenging. However challenging it may be, summer self-care is essential for both teachers and students.
Defining Self-Care
It’s a buzzword we’ve all heard but what exactly is self-care? ActiveMinds.org defines self-care as the act of doing things that, “make us feel taken care of mentally, physically, and emotionally.” It’s difficult for anyone to practice on a consistent basis but doing so can make a significant difference in the outlook and quality of life for both a teacher and their student. And, as teachers serve as role-models to those they educate, practicing self-care should be part of their regular curriculum.
Teacher Summer Self-Care
Many teachers use their summer “break” as anything but a break. Their days are filled with those things they weren’t able to do during the school year. While they were busy investing in kids, grading papers and giving their best to their students, their work at home was piling up. It can be tempting to put aside self-care in favor of busywork. It can also be difficult to come down from the grueling pace needed during the school year.
Anyone who has ever been on a plane has heard the saying, “Put your own mask on before helping others.” The phrase applies to more than oxygen masks. A teacher taking care of themselves is a teacher taking care of their students. Self-care promotes positive mental health, increased productivity, and overall well being. Healthy and happy educators are able to give their best both in and outside the classroom.
Student Self-Care this Summer
The educational process is a hands-on connection between teachers and students. That connection doesn’t just end at the end of a school year and teachers are continually looking to help their students grow, both academically and emotionally. One way in which teachers can help their students grow during the summer is by offering practical summer self-care tips that students can use.
Students experience stressors that are different, but no less significant, than their educator counterparts. Helping your students manage that stress and care for their own emotional well-being provides important tools they can use for a lifetime.
Summer Self Care Tips to Remember
Relaxation looks different for everyone. For some it’s a long bath, for others it’s a long run. For some inspiration, MentalHealthFirstAid.org has a list of self-care ideas, from gardening to listening to music or just cultivating connections. However relaxation looks to you, the point is to simply take the time to relax because the consequences for ignoring self-care are severe.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), when stress becomes “long-term or chronic, it can have serious effects on your body.” Some of those effects are physical and some are mental, and they can be serious and long-lasting. Stress does not affect the body in a positive way but it can be managed and avoided. The APA suggests maintaining a healthy social support network, engaging in regular physical exercise, and getting an adequate amount of sleep as effective ways to reduce stress. Each of these are self-care basics that can be practiced throughout the year, not just in the summertime.
Dear Teacher, Your Self Care Matters
Teacher and student burnout this school year has been real and intense. The need for self-care to heal from the stressors experienced during this last school year are important now more than ever before. Instead of telling you to do one more thing…I ask you to pause, take a breath, and reflect on all of the little things that went well this year. I want you to repeat: “I am a good teacher.” I encourage you to give yourself a heaping dose of compassion in this moment and throughout this summer.
For teachers the idea of self care can feel impossible, but remember that it’s okay to take a break and be happy about it. Stop thinking about all the things that need to be done and take some time to enjoy all the things you’ve accomplished throughout the year. If you take a break and guilt yourself for not being productive, it is not really self care. Take an actual break, pat yourself on the back, and give yourself permission to relax. Whether you pick up a new hobby, take a much-needed vacation or simply have a nap on a summer afternoon, self-care will produce positive outcomes.
Advise your students to do the same. Remind them that they are young and, while you recognize that stress is inherent, self-care is important for them as well. Even if your student is taking on a summer job, self-care is possible by spending time with friends, enjoying the extra time with family, or even getting away for a weekend road trip or two.
We live in uncertain times that are challenging for both children and teachers. It’s okay to ask for help and support in navigating teaching students post pandemic. Know that, as a child psychologist, I see your collective efforts to hold up our children during these uncertain times. My hope is that you can see the good that you are doing, even the micro-moments. Recognize and acknowledge the wins during these tumultuous times. Celebrate the ways in which you managed milestones, traditions, and celebrations—building the treasured memories of childhood in school. Practicing self-care will serve both teachers and students well when school is back and you are faced with those additional stressors that the school year brings. Telement provides therapeutic support to middle and high school students. We can help the students you teach with mental health support before they reach a crisis moment. For more information on our telehealth services, go to TelementTherapy.com.
