School’s out, or almost out, for summer! When I was a student, and later, when I taught graduate school, my excitement for the summer break often was overshadowed by sheer exhaustion. Before I could lean into a summer of fun, I had to catch up on much-needed rest and allow my body and mind time to decompress.
As a parent, I have had similar feelings of mental and physical exhaustion at the end of my children’s school years. As they get older, the hustle and bustle has somewhat slowed down for me, but it’s still a lot to juggle, at times. So, whether you are a student, a teacher, or a parent, the stressors of the school year sometimes can leave us limping into the summer.
Don’t throw in the beach towel, though, as there are some effective strategies to renew our energy during summer vacation. These strategies can help us enjoy the lazy, and not so lazy, days of summer and prepare our minds and bodies for the next school year.
- Practice yoga. Even if you never have practiced yoga before, it is an excellent way to release the stress of the semester and to reset your mindset. Engaging in meditation, stretches, and poses can help you to regroup and find your center of balance once more. Practice outdoors, if possible, to make the most of the serenity and beauty of a natural environment.
- Enjoy more time in nature. If you incorporate nature as part of your rejuvenation program this summer, you’ll feel renewed, refreshed, and ready to tackle the school year ahead.
Go camping. Get away from the noise of the classroom and city life and experience the peacefulness. Getting back to nature can lead us back to ourselves.
Hit the hiking trails. Hiking is a great way to free your mind and also achieve new personal heights. Reaching the top of a hiking trail will provide a sense of accomplishment and help you to face challenges off the trail.
Spend some time relaxing near, or in, the water. The tranquility offered by natural bodies of water, such as a lake, a river, or an ocean, is second to none. - Get lost in a good book. Becoming immersed in a book is an excellent way to put everything behind you for the time being. Bonus points, if you can curl up with a good book in your favorite spot outside. On the beach. In a hammock. Under the shade of a tree.
- Choose foods that re-energize you. That frazzled end of the school year feeling usually is accompanied by low energy. Take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables and the offerings from the local farmer’s market to fill your plate and stomach. A healthy diet not only provides physical nourishment, but it also does wonders for our mind and spirit.
As we head into the summer, allow yourself time to shake off the stress of the past school year and then, incorporate these strategies to help make this a true break from the daily grind of the world of academia. Now, you’ll have to excuse me, as I have a date with a new book on our front porch.
That’s another story . . .
Categories: That's Another Story
That's Another Story 
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