The benefits of ‘disconnecting’ these school holidays

As a teacher, the school year can be a time of stress and pressure. The school holidays provide a much-needed break from the daily demands of the classroom, but it can also be easy to fall into the trap of feeling guilty for not “working” or feeling like you should be doing something productive. However, taking the time to relax and recharge during the school holidays is not only important for your well-being, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental health.

Here are some tips to help you relax and make the most of your school holidays for better mental health:

1. Disconnect from work: Try to leave your work at school and avoid checking your email or thinking about lesson planning during the holidays. This can help you to detach from the constant demands of the job and reduce stress and burnout.
2. Make a plan: Having a plan for your holidays can help you make the most of your time off and avoid feelings of aimlessness and boredom. Set some goals for yourself, whether they be personal or professional, and work towards achieving them during the holidays.
3. Get active: Physical activity is not only good for your body but also for your mind. It can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Plan to go for a run, hit the gym, or take a yoga class.
4. Spend time with loved ones: The holidays are a great time to reconnect with family and friends. Spending time with loved ones can help to boost your mood, reduce feelings of loneliness and improve your overall mental well-being.
5. Set aside “me” time: Make sure to set aside some time for yourself to do something that you enjoy. Engage in a hobby or activity that brings you pleasure and can help to reduce stress and increase feelings of contentment.
6. Reflect on past term and plan for the next: If you feel like it, you can use this time to reflect on the past term, identify areas where you may have struggled and come up with a plan to better cope with stress and expectations on the next term. This can help you to feel more in control and better prepared for what lies ahead.

It is important to remember that taking time to relax and recharge during the school holidays is not only beneficial for your well-being, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Allow yourself to fully relax and enjoy your time off, and return to work feeling refreshed and renewed.