TL;DR:
- Summer rejuvenation involves you mind, body, and soul.
- Free activities to do this summer include fort building, a nature walk, stargazing, reading, cooking, playing games, volunteering, and more!
It’s summertime! And for teachers, this is the best time to rejuvenate. Summer relaxation should be a time to revitalize the mind, body, and soul. Because we all know that during the school year, we put ourselves on the backburner and put others’ needs before ourselves. So, what can we do with this YOU time? Well, I have some ideas…
Summer Rejuvenation: Boosting the Body
First, let’s get that body in check! Think about what you have been neglecting all school year and put it on the to-do list now! My to-do list included: a dentist visit, daily workouts, meal-prepping, and tanning. Yes, I said tanning. When you live in Florida, you must have a nice tan.
If some of those items are already a routine for you, get out of the rut with some new ideas. In Florida, we have options like beach yoga or paddleboarding for fun inventive workouts. Hiking trails are a good option, too. Why not enjoy the beauty of nature around you while getting in a good workout? It’s also the perfect time to listen to your favorite music or podcast!
Another idea is trying out a new recipe or a new location. My husband and I tried a new place the other day that had a gluten-free, plant-based menu…AND…the verdict? It was delicious! My husband also cooked up a new recipe he found called Mango Sweet Rice. It was also rather yummy. Need a change of scenery? Have a healthy picnic. Pack some fruits, veggies, and low-calorie chicken salad. Find a cozy, shaded spot and embrace the nutritious experience. These are all great ways to boost the body while having fun!
Find time this summer to indulge in yourself. Make yourself a priority and revive YOU. When you take the time to fill your cup, it will overflow so that you can fill others. Click To TweetSummer Rejuvenation: Soul Searching
Next on the menu is soul searching. How can we feed our souls over the summer break? When I think of filling my soul, I think of what brings enjoyment and comfort to my heart. What fills my soul the most is my family and the time we spend together. This summer with the money crunch, it’s been hard to go on trips or take the kids to amusement parks. Therefore, I have found other options to get in as much quality time as I can without having to break the bank.
Cheap Options
One of my favorite places to visit is the Dollar Store! It’s a fun, easy trip for my kids and me. They always appreciate the opportunity to pick out something new, even though it’s small and cheap. It gives them a sense of independence as they scan the store to pick out the perfect item, and a sense of gratitude for being allowed this opportunity. For me, it’s economical quality time. Because in the end, it doesn’t matter if the item gets broken, lost, or eventually donated, it was about the quality time we spent together.
Easy items you can pick up at the dollar store and experience together are chalk, bubbles, Play-Dough, balls, craft supplies, learning games, and so much more! Tons of quality indoor or outdoor time can be created with these inexpensive items.
Free Options
Another way to build in bargain quality time is to do free activities together. One idea is to write a variety of activities on slips of paper and drop them into a jar. Each day over the summer, pull an activity slip from the jar. This will give you something entertaining to look forward to each day. It may be as simple as “Read a book together.” Sometimes it’s not even about the activity itself, but the anticipation and mystery involved in pulling the slips from the jar, making it all that more fun! Here is a list of items you could include.
- Fort building
- Nature walk
- Stargazing
- Read a book
- Cook a meal
- Game night
- Movie night
- Beach trip (I love Florida!)
- Volunteer at an animal shelter
- Send someone a card
- Call or FaceTime a friend
- Go to the park
- Paint a rock or picture
- Create an obstacle course
- Plant a flower
Summer Rejuvenation: Mind Muscles
Your soul is filled, your body is in check…now what? Challenge, engage, and grow the mind! Summer can be a good time to process new learning since you’re not bogged down with the day-to-day challenges of school. If you’re a reader and educational leader, I definitely recommend the 10-minute Inservice by Todd Whitaker & Annette Breaux and Lemons to Lemonade: Resolving Problems in Meetings by Diane Zimmerman & Robert Garmston. These are both EASY, QUICK reads for educational leaders, and something you can refer back to when needed. Both cater to educators that lead professional development, trainings, and meetings.
If you’re a podcast listener, I recommend these motivational, educational podcasts: Aspire to Lead by Joshua Stamper, Leaning into Leadership by Darrin Peppard, and #Coachbetter by Eduro Learning. These are a few podcasts that will help you grow as an educational leader while relishing in some light-hearted, thought-provoking conversations with educational gurus.
If you’re looking to take a step back from all the education politics and overwhelming professional development, try feeding a passion or interests you have outside of school. My secret pleasure is murder mystery podcasts. Some of my favorites include: Counter-Clock, The Murdaugh Family Murders, and Suspect. Now, you might be thinking…this doesn’t sound so uplifting. But it is definitely addictive and keeps your mind racing!
Fill the Cup
Whether you find the time for a family beach trip, binge-watching a favorite TV show, or finally quit sugar, find something that makes YOU happy. Find time this summer to indulge in yourself. Make yourself a priority and revive YOU. When you take the time to fill your cup, it will overflow so that you can fill others. So before entering the next school year, fill that cup! Fill it so fully that you are ready to pour it out and keep pouring until the next school year ends.
About Ashley Hubner
Ashley Hubner is an Educational Consultant in Sarasota County, Florida. With 14+ years in education, Ashley has served as an elementary school teacher, math interventionist, instructional coach, social studies curriculum lead, virtual coach, and private sector curriculum designer.
Ashley uses professional development, instructional coaching and curriculum design to support teachers and instructional leaders in developing purposeful, intentional learning experiences for children. She is dedicated to impacting student growth by building capacity within teachers and their instructional effectiveness.
Ashley specializes in elementary literacy and mathematics, integrated curriculums, and classroom management utilizing instructional best practices, relationships, and classroom culture.
