Teachers, we SEE you. We see the exhaustion as you pack up your classroom for the summer. The tears that fall as you say a final goodbye to your students are not unnoticed. We see the overwhelm as you look at your once organized classroom. Guess what? We see and feel ALL of that too. For some teachers, this school year was amazing. For others, they are left drained. No matter where you fall in that spectrum, it is important to set aside time for self care. So, sit back teacher friend, and let us fill your summer self care bucket list with activities that are sure to make you feel those summer break vibes, and perhaps feel more like yourself again.
****** Don’t miss #8 for a HUGE summer 2025 announcement******
Below are some self care activities to help cure that school year exhaustion. Try one, try them all. The only goal is to focus on YOU and re-charging your beautiful self so you feel inspired and ready to teach when school starts again.
1. Make a summer bucket list
Bucket lists give us something to look forward to! Bucket lists do NOT need to be filled with big ticket items. Plant a garden, take that extra long hike, camp in the woods, try a Pinterest recipe, see a waterfall, camp under the stars…the possibilities are endless!
Here’s a fun idea: Involve the special people in your life in the creation of the summer bucket list so you can make summer memories together this year!
2. Journal!
Writing down your thoughts is an excellent way to decompress. It can be a blank journal to jot down thoughts and ideas OR invest in a prompted, self care journal, like THIS one created specifically for us drained teachers.
Start or end your day with a thoughts purge!
Gratitude Journal: Five Minutes a Day Manifestation Journal
Start a self care routine in only five minutes a day with this prompted journal.
3. Find your Peeps
This has been a challenging time for educators. It can, at times, be lonely. Lucky for us, we have Facebook groups full of AMAZING teachers across the globe, who are feeling it all too. Join us in our group and connect, collaborate, and decompress!
4. Get Lost in a Great Book
If you are a reader, this is YOUR summer! Reading is a free vacation, and now is your time to practice what you preach to kids! Here are the top picks from our Facebook groups all in one post: 2025 Summer Reading List for Teachers.
There are SO many more books we could recommend but a sure bet is to check in with your local library, download a reading app, shop online or simply dig through your book collection at home. Crack that book open and let the relaxation begin.
5. Get into Nature
This might not be for everyone! However, study after study has proven nature’s calming effect on our mental health! Whether it is a hike, camping trip, a backyard bonfire, or simply sitting outside it is sure to boost your mood quickly. PLUS, taking that nature walk counts as exercise and we know that can be an immediate mood boost.
6. Hone that Hobby
Summer break is a great time to learn, revisit or hone a hobby. Some favorite summer hobbies include:
- Painting and drawing
- Writing
- Photography
- Crocheting or knitting
- Gardening
- Crafting or DIY
- Hiking
- Scrapbooking
- Woodworking
- Pottery
- Volunteering (Something not related to education for that brain break. I have loved walking dogs at the local animal shelter!)
7. Learn Something New
Gone are the days of having to enroll in college courses to give your brain a workout. Many things can be learned right from the comfort on your couch! Many offerings can be found for free with a quick search on Youtube. Here are additional online course ideas:
Learn a Musical Instrument
Here are some free options for learning an instrument from home.
Learn a New Language
Learning a language can be as simple as popping headphones in to complete a virtual class. Below is a list of well liked language learning apps and websites.
Do Some Crafting or DIY
Youtube has the best crafting and DIY tutorials! If you want a shorter form video, Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook Reels are packed with crafting tips & tricks! As an example, here is a video filled with ways to use Dollar Tree Peel-N-Stick wallpaper!
8. Join us for Summer Series 2025
Have you heard? Lucky Little Learners is putting on a first time-ever SUMMER SERIES to celebrate the WHOLE Teacher!
Professional ⭐️Personal⭐️ Development – on Your Schedule
Kicking off June 3, 2025 these short sessions are packed with a kind of “whole teacher” PD you’ll love! Learn how to make your teaching life better, easier, more manageable, and more FUN – so you can feel like the summer version of you ALL YEAR LONG!
There are many other ways to ditch the school year stress! Find what works for you! Find YOUR calm! Have an idea to share? Head over to our Facebook group and share the love! Creating a summer bucket list? Be sure to share that with us too! You might just inspire others!
Always remember, together we are better!
Very inspiring! ❤️
Thank you!! Love 💕 the book suggestions!! My summer starts July 1st, in school until June 30th in Canada 🇨🇦