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This week, we’re thinking about how teachers can get the most out of their holidays (which I struggled with for a long, long time).

Let’s jump in…

It’s The Holidays. So Why Doesn’t It Feel That Way?

The Christmas holidays are here at last, and for many teachers, ourselves included, it’s a welcome end to a very long term!

Nativity done, reports written, mince pies eaten. Time for some very welcome rest and relaxation.

But…

As teachers, how much rest and relaxation do we actually allow ourselves?

I can remember feeling mightily relieved that the holidays had arrived, but then spending them feeling drained and anxious.

Worst of all, I’d get to the end feeling strung out, unrested and having not got all the work I’d brought home done, making me feel even worse.

I basically spent every holiday worrying about the next term.

Many of my colleagues did exactly the same thing, and it wasn’t until I took steps to change how I approached the holiday season that I began to see a change for the better.

So, what caused the problem, and how did I fix it?

Teachers Give Everything To Everyone

If you’re a teacher, the chances are you’re dedicated, emotionally engaged, overwhelmed and always giving of yourself.

It takes that kind of person to do the job so well.

But the fact that we’re so passionate about our roles often means we carry those stresses and strains from our professional to our personal lives...

1. Intrinsic Motivation and Passion:

Teachers are often deeply invested in their profession and driven by a genuine desire to positively impact their students' lives. This intrinsic motivation can lead to a sense of responsibility and dedication that extends beyond the school day, making it difficult to fully disconnect from work-related thoughts and concerns.

2. Heavy Workload and Deadlines:

Teaching’s a demanding profession, with long hours, heavy workloads, and tight deadlines. Even during holidays, we can feel compelled to catch up on marking, lesson planning, or administrative tasks, leading to a constant sense of pressure and unfinished business.

3. Lack of Clear Boundaries:

The blurred lines between personal and professional lives can exacerbate the work-life balance problem for teachers. School-issued devices, emails, and instant messaging platforms can invade personal time, making it challenging to mentally separate ourselves from our responsibilities.

4. Fear of Missing Out:

Teachers may feel obligated to stay connected with colleagues and students during holidays, fearing that they may miss important information or updates. This can prevent us from fully relaxing and enjoying our precious time off.

5. Pressure to Plan and Prepare:

The anticipation of the upcoming school term can weigh heavily on teachers, leading to anxiety and a desire to start planning and preparing early. This can make it difficult to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the holidays fully.

I was guilty of most of this behaviour. Although I thought it made me a more dedicated teacher, I realised it just led to emotional exhaustion, disillusionment and poor health.

Sound familiar?

If so, here are some ways to take personal responsibility for your wellbeing and enjoy your holidays!

5 Ways To Relax, Recharge And Come Back Refreshed

1. Prioritise Relaxation and Self-Care:

Your holidays are YOURS.

You’ve earned them, and you’ll be a better teacher if you give yourself permission to enjoy them. For many of us, that means allowing yourself to prioritise relaxation and self-care.

Practice: Schedule dedicated time for relaxation and self-care activities, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, reading, or spending time in nature. Aim for at least 30 minutes of relaxation practice each day.

2. Create a Digital Detox:

So much of our work time is spent online and interacting rapidly between devices and people. That takes a tremendous toll on our energy, and so a powerful way to reinvigorate yourself is through a digital detox.

Practice: Minimize time spent on work-related emails, notifications, and social media during the holidays. Set clear boundaries between work and personal life by silencing notifications and avoiding checking work-related emails during non-work hours.

3. Plan and Prepare for the Return:

This one had a powerful and profoundly positive impact on me. As someone who would always bring far too much work home in the holidays and then fail to complete it (making the whole holiday a failure), I know what it’s like to have your work bag staring at you from the corner of the room!

Practice: Create a quick checklist of tasks to manage before returning to work, such as writing lesson plans, marking and creating resources. Only bring home the minimum of critical work, and get it done right at the start of the break, if you can. That way, nothing’s hanging over you.

4. Connect with Loved Ones and Pursue Enjoyable Activities:

As teachers, we often feel exhausted. Too tired to make an effort in our holidays or home lives.

But actually, making yourself take the time to connect with loved ones, including (importantly) at social events, can often energise and recalibrate your mood and self-belief.

Practice: Make time for meaningful connections with loved ones, family, and friends. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether pursuing hobbies, travelling, or simply enjoying downtime together.

5. Practice Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness:

From reflective practice to crafting, it’s important that you find a balance of ‘you time’ in the holidays. After all, it can often feel like there’s no such thing as ‘you time’ at school. So if you don’t consciously mark it in the holidays, you’ll feel as though you never had any.

Practice: Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions throughout the holidays. Acknowledge and address any concerns or worries that arise without getting overwhelmed. Engage in activities that promote mindfulness, such as journaling or mindfulness meditation.

Don’t Miss The Only Podcast You’ll Ever Need!

Well, it’s probably not the ONLY podcast, but it certainly gives you the tools to grow as a person first and a teacher second.

That’s really what we’re all about at Marigold Teachers… giving you the skills and support you need to live your best life. Yes, as a teacher, but first and foremost, as a wonderful human being!

Our latest podcast episode is all about mastering the art of switching off.

Perfect for the start of the holidays, but ideal for every day of the year!

Enjoy Christmas In Your Own Way

However you choose to spend your holidays, we wish you lots of positivity, gratitude, and appreciation.

You do a truly fantastic job, and you deserve exactly the holiday you want.

If that’s a balance of life and work, that’s fine.

If it’s all rest and relaxation, that’s amazing too. Just make sure you’re in the moment, and give yourself the chance to unwind in your own way, without any guilt.

Here’s a reminder of the key holiday takeaways…

We’re taking our own advice and having a Christmas break, too, so look out for our next edition on Thursday, 4 January 2024.

Have a lovely Christmas and New Year, and always remember you’re more than your marking, your lesson observations and your planning.

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