Ask Aunt B

I am looking forward to summer. I am a teacher, and the summers are when I recharge. I will definitely need it after this year. I would like to learn a new way so that I don’t start the summer off so exhausted that it takes me 1 ⁄ 2 of the summer to get myself back and then it seems as if the last 1/2 goes by so fast I can hardly appreciate it. Help me.

Dear Teacher Burnout,

First off, thank you for teaching our children. It is a lofty profession, and I know it often goes without a great deal of appreciation. I believe that your answer lies in two main ideas. The first is self-care. The second is boundaries. The reason I believe it comes down to these two principles is because it is all up to you to make the changes that you need.

I can only imagine the marathon you've been running, school year in and school year out, with each summer feeling less like a break and more like a barely sufficient recovery period. So now let’s talk about setting up some sturdy boundaries and self-care strategies that ensure your summer isn't just about recuperation but also about genuine rejuvenation and joy.

Firstly, consider the concept of boundaries, not just with your time but with your emotional energy. It's easy to fall into the trap of being 'on call' even during the off months—emails piling up, lesson planning looming large. Decide on specific times for these tasks if they must be done over the summer, perhaps allocating no more than a couple of hours a week. The key here is consistency and separation; when it's not your designated school work time, it's your personal time, no ifs or buts!

It's also crucial to address the emotional aspect. During the term, you're on the frontline, handling not just academic responsibilities but the emotional and sometimes personal challenges of your students. This can drain your emotions deeply, so summer should be about refilling them. Engage in activities that are entirely unrelated to teaching. Have you ever wanted to learn pottery or kayak on a nearby lake?

And while we're diving into new hobbies or reigniting old passions, let's talk about the magic of saying 'no.' It's a complete sentence, you know? No to lastminute demands on your time, no to the guilt of not doing school-related work, and definitely no to skipping that yoga class you promised yourself you'd attend. Each no to others can become a yes to your peace of mind.

Social boundaries are just as important. It's great to catch up with colleagues, but if every get-together morphs into a venting session about work, it's okay to steer the conversation elsewhere or opt out entirely. Cultivate friendships and connections outside of your professional circle to gain fresh perspectives and experiences that rejuvenate your spirit.

Now, about self-care, it’s often painted in broad strokes—bubble baths and spa days, which are lovely! But true self-care is also about the less glamorous but equally important things. Like getting that long-postponed medical check-up, setting up a sleep schedule that enriches your rest, and maybe getting a nutritionist to revamp your diet to boost your energy levels.

Why not also plan a trip— something completely for yourself? It doesn’t have to be a grand international adventure (though it absolutely can be!). Even a staycation or a road trip to a nearby town can offer a refreshing change of scenery and a break from routine. Travel can reset our mental state and give us new experiences that enrich our sense of self beyond our professional identity.

And let’s not forget the power of reflection and planning. Take some time this summer to really think about what worked well over the past year and what didn’t. This isn’t about planning for the next school year, but rather about understanding your personal growth and achievements. Celebrate them! Write them down, share them with a friend, or just give yourself a pat on the back.

Love, Aunt B

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