Between creating schedules and lesson plans and tending to each student’s needs — among so many other responsibilities — it’s easy for teachers to experience burn out.
That’s why it’s not only important, but necessary to take the time to relax and recharge on a frequent basis, especially at the end of each week and during breaks. Regular self-care routines that reconnect you to what brings you the most joy will benefit you and your students in the long run. Finding hobbies that enrich your mind while helping you unwind will make all the difference in how you show up for your students year-round.
Teachers recognize that when students are overwhelmed and stressed, their academic performance suffers — and that’s the same for teachers! In order to have the same kind of growth mindset that teachers encourage in their students, teachers must make time for themselves during their down time and vacation time.
Here, four teachers share how they like to unwind after a busy school week what means the most to them during their more relaxed hours.
Build Something
Many people find that constructing something in a more relaxed setting helps them unwind. The focus required to build small projects, like a puzzle, sharpens your mind and provides an outlet for creative expression. Plus, the repetitiveness of building something piece-by-piece and the patience required can also be very comforting.
“After a long week, I actually like to build with LEGO or work on a puzzle,” says Pamela Michelle Roldan, a 4th grade teacher in Virginia. “It’s such a nice change of pace to be able to focus on something creative and relatively mundane.”
LEGOs are so versatile and come in a variety of models based on skill level and interests. You can build everything from buildings and cars to intricate flowers and the planets in our solar system.
“I have always loved puzzles since I was a kid,” says Roldan. “I love how one piece is so essential to the big picture, and it truly helps me relax because I am so focused on finding that specific shape and where it goes. With LEGO, I love seeing all these pieces and how they all come together to create something, too!”
Exercise
It’s a well-known fact that exercise is beneficial for your physical and mental health. If strenuous, high-intensity exercise isn’t your thing, doing yoga, going for a walk, or using a stationary bike are gentle forms of movement that’ll help you de-stress and give you a burst of mood-boosting endorphins.
“One of my favorite ways to unwind after the school week is to exercise,” says Leanna Malinowsky, a 2nd grade teacher in New Jersey. “I’ve always been an athlete, and had an appreciation for exercise.”
Low-impact outdoor exercises, such as swimming, biking, and hiking, also allow you to explore nature and immerse yourself in a tranquil setting. This will help get your mind off your to-do list and other stressors.
“We share with our students the importance of movement and exercise for them, and the same goes for us,” says Malinowsky. “Two specific types of exercise I like are walking and swimming. For me, walking allows me to reset my energy and let my ideas flow freely. Swimming for me is calming and therapeutic, and helps me relax mentally while physically working out.”
Read, Read, Read
Instilling a love of reading and seeing your students light up with the right books is one of the most rewarding parts about being a teacher. During the week, teachers strive to create a culture of literacy in the classroom. It’s a good reminder to take time to sit back and enjoy a good book yourself.
Sharing what you’re currently reading with a group via a book club is also a great way to connect with friends, family, neighbors, or new people over a shared passion or interest. Book clubs offer a sense of community and a place to share ideas and responses to literature, which can often lead to great recommendations, fun conversations, and new friendships.
“I love reading and meeting with my book club,” says Avery Lieske, a 3rd grade teacher in Alabama. “Every day after school, I dive into the book that I am reading, and once each month, I meet with my book club. It is a great way to escape the stresses of the day-to-day and connect with my neighbors!”
Get Crafty
Letting your creativity shine is rewarding on so many levels. Whether you choose to paint, make a scrapbook, or knit, allowing yourself creative expression helps calm your mind and relieves stress while having the added benefit of crafting something new for yourself or others to enjoy.
Sharing your favorite creative hobbies — and finding new ones — with others is also beneficial for expressing yourself and building community ties. Very often, people are introduced to new hobbies by meeting others who have tried them. You can find inspiration anywhere!
“A couple of ways that I unwind after the school week are jumping into my pjs for a night of watching, baking, and Cricuting,” says Danielle McNulty, a 2nd grade teacher in New York City.
“Baking sweet treats and Cricuting crafts for fun on the weekends take my mind off of school and help me feel creative at the same time. Baking is something I grew up doing with my family and making crafts with my Cricut is a hobby I was inspired to pursue after watching teacher YouTubers.”
Shop fun books about hobbies to share with your students below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store.