It’s the most wonderful time of the year but it can also be the busiest so it’s important to schedule in some time for yourself this holiday season to relax, refresh and recharge.  By doing this you will start off the new school year with a fresh mindset and a greater capacity to care for your students & engage positively in your role as an educator.

  1. Go technology free – for an hour; for a day; for a week even. Start small and see how you feel after being disconnected from social media, emails and text messaging even for a short period of time.
  2. Schedule self-care – Don’t let this been an afterthought as doing so may lead to burning out before the school year begins. Identify what activities help you feel content and re-energised and develop a simple self-care routine that you can incorporate into your life year round.
  3. Permission to pause – STOP and smell the roses. Yes, it’s cliche but it’s important to remember to be fully present in the things you choose to give your time to this holiday season.
  4. Set boundaries – it’s natural to overcommit to social events and family obligations this time of year & it’s often an expectation of the holiday season. Get comfortable with turning down invites and saying NO if your calendar becomes too cluttered or stressful.
  5. Say goodbye to guilt – Putting your own needs first and saying NO can often make us feel bad or like a disappointment to our friends and family. When we say YES to things out of guilt we often neglect our own needs and sense of wellbeing. Be kind to yourself.
  6. Work can wait – it is true. Replace your work to-do-list with a to-do-for-me list and give yourself permission to press pause on your work responsibilities for at least some of the break.
  7. Choose your company wisely  – Those you surround yourself with can drain you or energise you so choose to spend time with people in your life who are positive and supportive and leave you feeling good after time spent together.
  8. Pursue personal interests – Experience the outdoors. Go the art exhibit that has been on your list all year long. Read a book.
  9. Find Balance – This is key. It is understandable that you may need to spend part of your break planning for the school year ahead but schedule times to focus on work responsibilities and don’t let it completely take over. Balance it with family time, friend time and YOU time.

You spend most of the year caring for others by dedicating your time and energy to the needs of your students, colleagues and school community so it is okay to put your needs first this holiday season – it is the greatest gift you can give yourself.