Hey friend, can you believe we’re already staring down winter break? It feels like just yesterday we were setting up our classrooms, and now here we are, wrapping up the first half of the school year. Before we rush out the door for some much-needed downtime, I wanted to share a little advice—teacher to teacher—on how to make the most of your break. Trust me, you deserve it.
1. Take Time to Recharge
Let’s start with the obvious: you’re tired. Teaching is no joke—it’s mentally, emotionally, and physically draining. Winter break is your chance to refill that cup. So, what does recharging look like for you? Maybe it’s binge-watching your favorite shows, curling up with a good book, or finally getting around to that yoga class you’ve been meaning to try. Maybe it’s sleeping in every day or spending quality time with your family. Whatever it is, do it unapologetically. Your well-being matters, and you can’t pour from an empty cup. So go ahead, put yourself first for a change.
2. Reflect and Reset
Once you’ve had a chance to rest a bit, take some time to reflect on the first half of the year. What’s been working in your classroom? What’s been… well, not so great? No judgment here—we’ve all been there. Use this time to celebrate the wins (big and small) and brainstorm some tweaks for the areas that need improvement. Maybe your classroom management strategy could use a refresh, or perhaps there’s a new way to tackle math centers that’s been on your mind.
But here’s the key: don’t overwhelm yourself. Start small. Choose one or two actionable goals to focus on when you get back. The idea is to ease into the new year feeling prepared, not stressed out.
3. Disconnect to Reconnect
Here’s the hard one: step away from work. I know, I know—easier said than done. But hear me out. Take a break from checking your school email and grading papers. Turn off those notifications and let yourself be fully present in your personal life. Whether that’s baking cookies with your kids, catching up with old friends, or just savoring the silence of a quiet house, give yourself permission to truly disconnect.
When you allow yourself to unplug, you’ll be amazed at how much more refreshed and energized you’ll feel when it’s time to head back to the classroom. Your students will notice the difference, too. A rested teacher is a better teacher—for them and for you.
Final Thoughts
Look, I get it. We’re teachers. It’s in our DNA to always be thinking about our students, our lesson plans, and that ever-growing to-do list. But this winter break, let’s make a pact: let’s take care of ourselves. Let’s recharge, reflect, and disconnect so we can come back ready to give our best—not just to our students but to ourselves.
You’ve earned this break, my friend. Enjoy it. And when January rolls around, you’ll be ready to crush it. Happy holidays!
