The last bell has rung, the hallways are clear and the lockers are empty. It’s that glorious time of year when schools empty of students and teachers and improvements begin for the next school year. And while the to-do list may be long, it’s essential for educators to take a real break this summer. 

It is important for our emotional wellbeing to take a pause from our jobs. Work breaks help our brains by preventing decision fatigue, restore motivation for long-term goals, increase productivity and creativity and improve learning. 

Here are 10 things you can do to help relax this summer. 

1. Sleep in or take naps. Replenish your sleep during the summer to help start the next school year well rested. You deserve it! 
2. Have some laughs. Meet friends for coffee or drinks or go to a funny movie. Laughing helps people relax and releases endorphins. 
3. Do some coloring. Coloring isn’t just for kids. Adult coloring books are great for switching the brain from thinking about school, to thinking about what shade of orange you want to use on that butterfly’s wing. 
4. Do some crafts. Many local art centers and museums have summer classes for both kids and adults. Learn origami, throw some pottery or take a painting class. It’s a great way to decompress and learn a new skill. 
5. Read for yourself. Take a break from young reader favorites, e.g., Judy Moody, Greg Heffley and Percy Jackson, and read something just for yourself. It doesn’t have to be Jane Austen (although that’s a great choice), it can be a total guilty pleasure like a steamy romance. 
6. Get a massage. Forget about the cost and allow yourself to be treated and enjoy the many benefits a massage provides. Massages release tension and can eliminate pain in shoulders, back and neck (you know you’ve hunched over a Chromebook for nearly a year), help with insomnia and anxiety. 
7. Spend all day in your PJs. Take a break from the normal morning routine by skipping it entirely! Take the day to just lounge in your pajamas watching Netflix, cozying up with a book or eating junk food on the couch. 
8. Take a long lunch. Relish in the ability to take as long as you want to eat, instead of frantically trying to consume lunch in 15 minutes. Pick a favorite lunch spot and invite friends, partners or even coworkers to join you once or twice a month. 
9. Go for a walk. Grab the kids, the dog or just yourself and take a stroll. A 20-minute walk can do wonders for your health by building strength in your heart, improving your mood and helping you sleep better. 
10. Play with your kids or grandkids. Life feels like a series of schedules during the school year – go to work, pick up kids, make dinner, do homework, wash a load of laundry, go to bed, repeat. Take this time to have some fun with your kids. Go to the movies or the pool, play board games or visit some local museums.  

Once you’ve taken some real “me” time and are refreshed, refocused and ready to think about the upcoming school year again, we can help. We have a whole menu of personalized services for educators who are looking to add new devices or upgrade wireless equipment. And, we perform all imaging, asset tagging, consolidation and laser etching work in our state-of-the-art fulfillment center. Contact us today to learn more.