Taking Time to Rest, Relax and Recharge as Teachers
Winding down after a long day of teaching is no small task. Every day as an educator is filled with lesson planning, energetic instruction, answering a plethora of questions, working through challenges and constant, active engagement with dozens of students at a time. Turning off your brain from the energy and commotion of a busy classroom can feel nearly impossible, especially considering the job does not stop when you leave school each day. Teachers inherently give so much of not only their time and efforts, but also of themselves, both mentally and physically.
While we all have our own favorite ways to unwind and reduce stress, it can also be helpful to explore new paths toward effective self-care. We’ve gathered some restful ideas for you to consider the next time you’re looking to relax and take time for yourself.
1. Exploring Nature
When we asked some of our National Inventors Hall of Fame® Inductees how they like to relax and recharge, many told us they turn to the outdoors and explore nature. Inductee Jaap Haartsen, inventor of Bluetooth® wireless technology, said, “The best way for me to relax is to take long walks with my wife, preferably in nature. I live in the countryside, and I enjoy the environment every day.”
If you find spending time in nature relaxing, you might try some new ways to explore outdoors. If you like to hike, for example, it might be refreshing to find a new local park or trail to traverse. Or you might change your perspective by picking up some binoculars and heading outside to try bird-watching. No matter the time or place, there are many ways to find peace and inspiration in nature.
2. Exploring Recipes
Let’s face it — the kitchen is not always a relaxing place. But for many people, it can be a great place to get creative and recharge your energy through (tasty) expression.
Inductee Margaret Wu considers her kitchen inspiring, and she views it much like she views her lab: as a place where she can make discoveries. In an interview with the National Inventors Hall of Fame, she explained, “I have to admit, I don’t follow the recipe or chemical process. I always like to change something because I always thought maybe I can do better.”
So why not get creative like Wu? Try some interesting new recipes or develop your own through some fun experimentation. You might stumble upon something delicious and find that exploring in the kitchen can offer some relaxation after all.
3. Exploring Scents
If you find certain fragrances calming or comforting, you might consider aromatherapy, or using essential oils for relaxation. While some claims of health benefits associated with essential oils have no scientific backing, it is true that scents can help you relax.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain.” Lavender is among the most relaxing scents, citrus scents like lemon oil can boost your mood and peppermint oil has been found to help with tension headaches when it’s applied topically. You can find some tips on finding and safely using quality essential oils here.
4. Exploring Music
Like scents, sounds can stimulate your brain, improve your mood and help you unwind. There is value in both playing and listening to music, whether you’re revisiting familiar favorites or exploring songs that are new to you.
According to the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, music can reduce stress and anxiety, improve your memory, help with pain management, and make your exercise routines more enjoyable and effective. It can also help you tap into your creativity.
The next time you put on some music, pay attention to how you respond to certain artists or songs. What one person might find irritating or distracting, others find soothing, refreshing or inspiring, so have some fun exploring and discovering what works for you.
Ultimately, relaxing and recharging come from finding things you enjoy doing. When you’re feeling drained or like you might just need a reset, identifying activities that fill your cup and making a conscious effort to do them will help to create a grounding sense of balance in your life.
We’ll See You This Summer!
We hope these ideas sparked new and inspired ways to rest, relax and recharge. We can’t wait to see you at Camp Invention®!