How to Enjoy Summer

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🌞Here are some practical things teachers with anxiety can do during the summer to help minimize beginning-of-the-year stress:

  • Plan in small chunks: Break prep work into manageable pieces (e.g., one subject or task per week) to avoid burnout.

  • Organize your space early: If possible, visit your classroom ahead of time to start setting up slowly and calmly.

  • Prepare flexible routines: Draft classroom routines and procedures that you can adjust once you meet your students.

  • Create a “first week” folder: Have lesson plans, activities, and classroom expectations ready for the first 3–5 days to reduce last-minute scrambling.

  • Reconnect with your “why”: Reflect on your purpose as a teacher through journaling, vision boards, or reading inspirational education stories.

  • Practice self-care: Build time into your summer for rest, hobbies, movement, and things that bring you joy.

  • Set boundaries: Don’t let school prep take over your whole summer. Designate certain days as “no school talk” days.

  • Connect with other educators: Reach out to a supportive colleague, join an online teacher group, or attend a low-pressure PD session.

  • Visualize success: Spend a few quiet moments imagining a positive first day or week—it’s a powerful tool to build confidence.

  • Build a calm morning routine: Start practicing a routine now that helps ground you before the school day begins.

Summer is a time to recharge—but a little intentional prep can go a long way in easing anxiety and building confidence for the year ahead.



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