School’s out for summer and that means you, leader, need a break too. That break can come in so many ways but make sure it is a chance to recharge. There are so many ways to recharge and rejuvenate so let’s be intentional about some ways to let go and just breathe.
We all know that taking a break can be hard for some of us because we feel that pull to get to that email or task that is calling us. In order to take a real break where you get real relaxation and a chance to unwind, it is essential to be intentional and make a plan for how you are going to take time off to reboot. Let’s reimagine some ways that we can take a break!
Vacations – Taking vacations forces us to plan. We need to book flights, hotels, camping spots, etc and set up itineraries so we make the most of our time. It is necessary to be intentional about your plans on vacation. Take a vacation at least once this summer if you can! We also need to be this intentional about planning our break when we are not on vacation and taking a break at home.
Staycation – If staycations are more your style, then be just as intentional about your staycation. Set intentions for what you will do with this time instead of just winging it. Although winging it can be fun, be sure to set up some intentional times too. It is also important to not get stuck in the funnel of getting stuff done around the home or knocking things off your to do list. Don’t get me wrong, those types of tasks can be super satisfying and can be a part of your break but also schedule in times where you don’t have to work so hard. That is why it is important to set intentions to rejuvenate as well. Set up times to read, play, drink wine or coffee on the deck, etc. and don’t feel guilty about it.
Learning – Learning lights you up. It can also be a form of a break if you are learning about a passion instead of just work. Let’s reimagine what summer learning is all about – take your device and set up your office poolside, at a campfire, in a local park or cafe, or wherever your happy place is! This is your time and your opportunity to work how you want to work. Work at your own pace, reflect on how far you’ve come and prepare for the greatness that is ahead of you! After all you have been through, this is going to be no ordinary summer! I know I have big plans in the works and can’t wait to truly connect with this community at the end of this summer! But first….I am going reimagine my summer break and take that time!
Friends – We have been isolated for sooooo long so it is going to be so great to spend time catching up with friends. Set up some fun games, day trips, patio time, boating, etc. and get a group together to just have fun face to face!
Read – Try putting the phone away and stepping away from social media and grabbing a book. Take it to the beach, read with the kiddos or puppy, learn a new thing through reading. I am reading a book right now on how to set up our boat so that we can get the best wave for surfing. It is not riveting but it is teaching me something lol!
Cook – Ok….I am not a cook at all. But, I am determined to host and cook an elaborate meal for my friends that have promised to eat it no matter what (cause that’s what friends do right?;). I want to do this because I have always wanted to learn how to cook. But I don’t want it to be stressful so I will do with friends who will understand and help me out along the way! Cook with your partner, kids, parents etc. Cook something you have never cooked before and see how it turns out!
Learn a new thing – I am learning how to long board right now with my girl. It is way more fun than I thought it would be and it is also so hard! Who knew! I now have so much more appreciation when we go out and I watch her longboarding as I struggle to keep up. I didn’t realize how much balance and focus you have to have. It has helped me bond with my pre-teen and brought a lot of laughter and joy (mostly at my expense) to something so simple.
Sleep and Chill – Get some naps in! Chill out on a patio whenever you can! But make sure you hydrate too….I love nothing more than sitting by a beach with our family friends, playing with the kids, having a cold beverage (with water in between…), and chilling out with zero schedules or worries in the world. Afternoon naps are also so nice to have when you are used to running around all day. Find your happy place and go there often.
Get ready for a summer filled with growth, implementing your learning, relaxing, recharging and of course FUN! I will see you with some super exciting news at the end of this summer!
The way you rejuvenate feeds into your quality of life professionally and personally so feed it wisely and with so much abundance. I have a free download that gives you some tips and tricks on how to show up for yourself. You can download it here! Perhaps you may want to make a few changes to your diet so that you are taking actions to make you feel strong, loved, successful, rejuvenated, healthy, confident, worthy, and loved. Cheers to you!
Be sure to share ideas of your own summer break in our private facebook group called Principals and Leadership!
Have you joined my weekly newsletter yet? Click here to join and you will also get a free guide to cultivating a super school!
Check out my website for more info. We even have a podcast that is wellness podcast for kids by kids called Even If You Miss. Subscribe at Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Even If You Miss..... 