Welcome to The Flourishing Teacher’s Field Guide. It’s nearly the holidays, so grab a glass of something and soak up some life-changing content!

This week, I’m so proud that we’re sharing the best strategies for making the most of your break. We use these all the time, and they’re genuine game-changers.

Let’s jump in…

Teachers Aren’t Always Very Good At Holidays

Do these sound familiar?

If so, I promise you’re not alone.

It took me a long time to learn how to actually have a holiday.

Now, that might sound strange, but here’s the thing…

Like many teachers, my personal and professional lives were so interwoven that I never learned how to stop, relax and recharge.

I never learned how to prepare for the breaks I was owed or worked out how to switch off without totally collapsing.

That meant I struggled through my holidays, mostly thinking about work, leaving myself behind and then going back to school frustrated that I’d not achieved the work I’d expected to get done and, at the same time, not had the rest I deserved.

It wasn’t until my perspective shifted that I learned how to value the holidays and get the most out of them.

I learned that you have to strategise, plan and invest in your holidays if you want to get the most out of them.

Here’s how you can do exactly that…

10 Strategies to Recharge and Reignite: Make Your Holidays Count!

You might not always believe it, or even know how to achieve it, but you deserve a truly restorative break. So, here are 10 strategies to help you switch off, recharge, and return to the classroom feeling energised and inspired.

1. The Digital Detox: Disconnect to Reconnect

We all love our devices, but we can have too much of a good thing. We’re constantly on them at work, so to really make a difference in the break, you need to switch off and let yourself breathe. Constant connectivity fuels the feeling of never being "off duty." So, silence notifications, schedule social media breaks, and consider a "tech-free" zone in your home.

Do: Designate a drawer or box for work devices. Pack a book for your next journey instead of your laptop.

Don’t: Keep your school emails accessible on your phone or tablet. Set an out-of-office and leave it be.

2. The Power of "No": Embrace Boundaries

Don't feel pressured to fill every moment of your break with all the things you had planned to do, or were ‘saving up’ for the holiday. Saying "no" to additional commitments allows you to prioritise rest and rejuvenation. It’s really OK to simply stop and relax. Just doing that is an achievement you should be proud of.

Do: Practice saying "no" politely but firmly. Suggest an alternative time to meet if appropriate. Explain that you’re prioritising your wellbeing that day, and encourage others to do the same.

Don’t: Feel responsible for filling your holiday with all the ‘stuff’ you feel you missed in term time. That’s not how life works.

3. The Great Escape: Plan Activities You Love

Bearing the last point in mind, it’s also true that holidays are for indulging in your passions. If you want to do something fulfilling and rewarding, and if it completes you rather than depletes you, then that’s perfect. Whether it's a creative workshop, a hike in nature, or simply reading that forgotten novel, plan activities that bring you joy. And then stick to the plan!

Do: Schedule at least one activity each day that sparks your creativity or brings you peace.

Don’t: Feel guilty about ringfencing your own time or decide not to bother. The rewards are huge.

4. Savour The Journey: Be Present In The Moment

Put down your phone, the washing or your worries and truly connect with your surroundings. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a flat in the middle of a city or a cottage by the coast. Mindful eating or breathwork can significantly enhance your experience of the present moment, stop you from thinking about the term to come, lower your stress levels and help you appreciate the value of the here and now.

Do: Choose one activity each day where you consciously focus on being present. It could be savouring a cup of coffee, taking a walk in nature, or simply listening to music without distractions.

Don’t: Let the holiday slip past you without recognising its value and actively committing to enjoying it.

5. Body & Soul: Prioritise Physical & Mental Wellbeing

Engage in activities that nourish your body and mind. Exercise, meditation, yoga, or simply getting enough sleep are all essential for de-stressing and recharging. Celebrate being on holiday by being good to yourself with the basics of nutrition and hydration. It might sound dull, but self-care is the most important gift you can give yourself.

Do: Commit to a regular exercise routine, even if it's just a short walk each day. Explore mindfulness practices through apps or guided meditations.

Don’t: Go crazy because it’s not a school night. It’s alright to make looking after yourself the real celebration.

6. The Classroom Cleanse: Leave Work At Work

I know this is contentious and largely feels impossible, but resist the urge to bring work home with you. If that’s not possible, then bring home the minimum amount you need to do. Decide what’s absolutely essential in relation to your need to rest and recharge. Designate a workspace at home and only work in that space to help establish clear boundaries between your professional and personal life.

Do: Commit to the minimum and get it done early in the holiday, so you don’t have to think about it.

Don’t: Bring more work home than you will be able to complete (or more than you should). No more piles of bags or folders in the corner making you feel guilty all holiday.

7. Embrace The Unknown: Explore New Interests

It’s your holiday. It’s supposed to be a world away from work. So, step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Learn a new skill, take a cooking class, or explore a new part of town. This can sometimes involve a bit of planning, which is great in terms of recognising your responsibility to your own wellbeing, or could be spontaneous. Either way, having a new set of sensory inputs is a wonderful way to lose yourself and leave school behind.

Do: Browse local listings for workshops, classes, or events that pique your curiosity.

Don’t: Decide you’re too busy with all the things you have to do for school. You have a responsibility to yourself to evolve as a person, and now’s the time…

8. Celebrate Your Accomplishments: Reflect On Your Successes

Holidays are a terrific time to acknowledge all you've achieved during the term. Reflect on the positive impact you've had on your students and celebrate your dedication. Allow yourself to feel proud of your successes and to be positive about the things you need to change next term. You should also do the same for your personal life, which, after all, is even more important.

Do: Write down a list of your accomplishments from the past term. Visualise the moments and recognise the value of your work. You deserve a holiday!

Don’t: Forget to apply the same idea to your personal life. You’ve been amazing this term, balancing every single personal demand. It’s time to celebrate that, too.

9. The Power Of Play: Rekindle Your Inner Child

You don’t have to be responsible for a while… so rediscover the joy of play. There’s a great power in allowing yourself to spend time in activities that don’t have to have a tangible outcome. Engage in activities that spark creativity and laughter, whether it's board games with friends, revisiting a childhood hobby, or simply colouring in a grown-up colouring book. And, of course, there’s always doodling, which you can find out more about right here.

Do: Set aside some time each day for a playful activity that brings you joy.

Don’t: Focus on the outcome. The process of doing is more important than the thing you create.

10. Embrace The Imperfect: Let Go Of Control

Holidays are for letting go of rigid schedules and embracing spontaneity. So, allow yourself to be flexible and enjoy the unexpected moments. There’s such an emotional, spiritual and physical benefit to embracing a lack of timetables and letting yourself have an adventure. You don’t have to plan it, you don’t have to prepare, and you don’t have to measure it against an expectation. Just engage with unpredictability and go for it!

Do: Say "yes" to a last-minute invitation or take a detour on your planned walk.

Don’t: Turn down an opportunity to do something unexpected because it doesn’t fit in with your plans or proposed work schedule - you’re supposed to be on holiday, so what better time to have an adventure?

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Thank You For Everything

Teachers have one of the hardest, most challenging jobs in the world, and if no one else says it this week, thank you from both of us for all you do. You’re wonderful, and the students and colleagues you support every day are lucky to have you!

We hope you enjoy your holiday, and as a reminder, here are our key takeaways:

In next week’s issue, we’ll reflect on the five reflective strategies we’ve developed to boost our wellbeing and safeguard our emotional health. Don’t miss it.

Until then, remember, you’re more than your marking, your lesson observations and your planning.

You’re you. And that’s all you need to be.