Good Morning Y’all,

Let’s get honest for a second people… we are not machines. We’re masterpieces.
And summer isn’t just a break... it’s a rebuild. And yes, I know it’s not here YET… but its just around the corner, so let’s start planning for it NOW!

We’ve spent the last 9(ish) months pouring out via teaching, guiding, correcting, laughing, grading, hugging, praying, solving problems, and sometimes just trying to hold it all together with coffee and a deep breath.

Now we’ve made it to summer (almost).
And let’s not kid ourselves… we’re tired. Maybe running on fumes. Maybe even feeling a little guilty about slowing down.

But here’s something we all need to understand: Recharging isn’t selfish. It’s strategic.
This summer, let’s not just crash and recover. Let’s rest and rebuild.
Let’s be intentional. Let’s fill back up with joy, peace, and strength.

Now, let’s look at 7 ways we can do just that.

As alwyas, if you find this info helpful, please share it with your teacher bestie!

So… what are some ways we can make the most out of our SUMMER BREAK? I’m glad you asked. Let’s dive in…

🛌 1. Permission to Rest: We’ve Earned It

Let’s say it together: rest is productive.
We don’t need to “earn” it with endless to-do lists or chores. We’ve shown up, poured out, and pushed through all year.

Now? Now it’s time to rest. And really rest.
That means sleeping in without guilt. Laying low. Taking slow mornings with no alarms.
Even Jesus rested—and if He made time for it, we should too.

🧭 2. Let’s Plan One Epic Adventure (Big or Small)

We don’t need a luxury trip to Italy (although that’d be nice 👀).
We just need one thing this summer that makes our souls light up.

• A spontaneous road trip.

• A night under the stars with no phones.

• A day at the lake or beach with our people.

• Or even a full-out do-nothing weekend at home with good snacks and no guilt.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be ours.

🎨 3. Let’s Start a Just-for-Fun Hobby or Project

We’re used to being in productivity mode. But joy matters too.
This summer, let’s try something just for the fun of it.

• Paint something.

• Start a journal.

• Build something with our hands.

• Bake a new recipe each week.

• Dust off that guitar or camera.

• Try SOMETHING NEW! You’d be surprised at how much joy a new hobby can bring to you… and your family & friends.

No lesson plans. No learning objectives. Just joy and curiosity.

💪 4. Let’s Invest in Our Health (Move, Sleep, Nourish)

Let’s take care of the one body we’ve been given… not with pressure, but with purpose.
This isn’t about trying to look a certain way. It’s about feeling strong, clear-headed, and energized again.

Let’s move more—walk, stretch, dance, swim.
Let’s eat foods that fuel us instead of deplete us.
Let’s sleep like it’s our job.

When we take care of ourselves, we show up better for everyone else, too.

📵 5. Let’s Disconnect to Reconnect (Social Media Fast?)

When’s the last time our minds were quiet?

Let’s try it: a weekend off social. Maybe even a whole week.
Put the phone away. Turn off the noise. Let boredom happen.

That’s where the clarity comes. That’s where peace can be found.
Let’s get still enough to figure out what our next move in life will be.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 6. Let’s Put Family First and Make Core Memories

Summer is our chance to go deep with the people who matter most.
Let’s not just be around our family—let’s be present with them.

• Game nights.

• Backyard adventures.

• Ice cream runs after dinner.

• Long talks on the porch.

Our students will remember us for a season.
But our kids, our spouses, our people? They’ll remember these moments forever.

📦 7. Let’s Do a Little Future-Us Development (Organize, Purge, Prep)

After we’ve had some fun, rest, and reconnection, let’s give ourselves a head start for next year.

We don’t have to go full “Pinterest Teacher Mode.” But we can do one or two small things that future-us will be thankful for:

• Clean out that desk drawer.

• Label those digital files.

• Brainstorm fresh lesson ideas.

• Set a few goals that excite us, not drain us.

We don’t need to be ahead of the game… but it’s nice to not feel behind.

🔋 Bottom Line, Y’all:

The best version of us next year?
That’s the rested, smiling, fully-alive version.
The one who laughs freely, sleeps deeply, eats well, and shows up full of fire and joy.

Let’s not just recharge this summer—let’s upgrade.
We’ve earned it. We need it. And we’re worth it.

~Mitch

🎵 May’s Teacher Tunes TuesdayPlaylist: Summer Fun! 🎶 

☀️We've almost made it! 🎉 This playlist is packed with good vibes, sunny feels, and a big splash of motivation to help you power through the final weeks of school. Whether you're grading papers, planning your last lessons, or daydreaming about beach days with family and friends, these tunes will lift your spirits and get you summer-ready. 🌴

🎯Finish strong. Celebrate big. You deserve it!🎯

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