As we approach the eagerly awaited spring break in K-12, it’s crucial to remember the importance of taking time for yourself to recharge. This time of year holds special significance for me. Just last year, I was in Florida with my family indulging in PAPER books by the water. Little did I know, that break would become a pivotal moment in my life. During that week, I found inspiration to evolve my web show into a podcast, and jotted down words on a Google Doc, which would later blossom into a book!
In a world increasingly dominated by screens, I encourage you to see this break as an opportunity to detach and embrace the offline world, allowing you to recharge and find inspiration. Just as we’re instructed to secure our own oxygen masks before assisting others on an airplane, prioritizing our well-being is essential for effectively caring for our students. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your well-deserved break:
- Spend time outdoors. Whether it’s going for a hike, having a picnic, or simply taking a leisurely stroll.
- Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read but never found the time for. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or personal development, there is nothing like getting lost in a good book.
- Let your imagination run wild! Engage in creative activities. Whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, or crafting.
- Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it’s learning a musical instrument, gardening, or taking up a new sport/workout class.
- Cherish moments with the people that matter most. Whether it’s having a game night, cooking a meal together, or simply catching up over coffee.
- Make time for yourself – without children or significant others. This could be simply doing nothing at all. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary for your mental health.
With that said, I’ll be taking the next two weeks off from writing newsletters to explore new avenues of creativity and recharge my batteries. Let’s see where this break leads us and what we all return with!