Happy Holidays! Relax!

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration—and relaxation! But for many teachers, it often feels like there just isn’t enough time to really catch a break and enjoy the season.

As teachers, we are so used to putting in long hours and going above and beyond what we are asked to do that sometimes it’s hard to relax during our vacation time. Not only do we have all of the usual holiday preparations and stressors to contend with, but also the realization that when break is over we’ll have to get back into full-teacher mode again. This can lead to an uncomfortable mix of anxiousness, anticipation and dread all at once.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! It’s important for teachers to take time for themselves during the holidays -- especially since burnout is a real issue in education. So here are some tips on how you can relax during your holiday break:

1. Unplug - Take a break from technology and give yourself permission not keep up with emails, Twitter feeds or other work-related matters.

2. Exercise - Even if it's just a quick walk around the block or stretching session at home, getting active releases stress hormones which helps promote relaxation.

3. Get creative - Whether it's writing poetry, drawing sketches or playing an instrument -- use your extra time off to explore your creative side!

4. Connect - Spend quality time with family members or close friends who you don't normally get to see on a day-to-day basis. The change of scenery can help clear your mind and maybe even bring about new ideas!

5. Rest - Last – but certainly not least – take naps! Napping for 15-20 minutes has been found to improve alertness and concentration upon waking up Making sure you get enough restful sleep should be high on your priority list!

No matter how you choose spend your holiday break, remember that taking care of yourself should always come first. Teachers already pour so much of their energy into their job – make sure you don't forget to refuel so that you can continue doing what you love even better than before!