Summertime: Freedom? or Boredom?

Day one of Summer Break. I’m Already Bored.

Sound familiar? I know a lot of teachers who fall on various ends of the freedom – boredom scale that summer break brings. To others who have “regular, year round” jobs, they view having summer break as a luxury. Why would anyone complain about not having to work for 3 months? You can do literally anything you want to do! So, tell me. What does one do? Travel? Visit family? Go Sight-Seeing? Maybe a staycation to take some time to revisit your city? Catch up on some novels, binge watch a new show? Oh the endless possibilities! Right?

Realistically, if you can’t afford to travel, your options are a bit limited. Come on – a person can only binge watch so many tv shows, or visit so many places in your city before it gets to be the same old same old. Then, before you know it, you’re back to square one. Being bored. On Summer Break. It’s one of those things people think, but no one really says aloud because it sounds….. whiney? ungrateful? any number of other words? But let’s face it. Some people find themselves here. The question is, what to do about it.

Get a Job

Working over the summer has its definite benefits. First off, everyone could use the extra cash! Save up for that car, take a trip, or pay down those pesky student loans. When choosing a summer job, think about where you like to shop. Most retail stores offer employees anywhere from a 5%-30% discount on their purchases. Love Express? Work there. Get the discount. If working for someone else isn’t your speed, or you need more flexibility, think about working for yourself and setting your own schedule. What are your talents? (If you’re a teacher, use that to your advantage – you’d make a great tutor for hire – I’m sure!) Set your own price, subject matter, schedule, and location! Babysitting, dog training and creative talents such as hand lettering are all options you can use to make some extra cash over the summer!

Free 99 is the best price!

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Did you ever realize how many free events there are to do in your city? Google “free things to do in (your city)” and get ready to be surprised by the possibilities! I did this same search for my city, and was pleasantly surprised at the amount of things to do, and things I already knew of but had forgotten about.

Volunteer for a Special Cause or Passion

The freedom of summer break allows you a lot of time, and it’s your choice on how to use that free time. Give back to others. Volunteer to help the homeless, walk dogs at your local animal shelter, build a Habitat for Humanity house, support victims of domestic abuse or refugees new to the country. What are you passionate about? In what area of your life or in the lives of others, would you seek to make a difference? Time is precious. Giving your time to others, is priceless.

Perfect your Craft

The school year is cram packed with events duties and daily responsibilities. Now that you have some free time, take advantage and get a head start preparing for the upcoming school year! Read some literature on best practices for (you fill in the blank). Try your hand at writing some original, creative activities or project based learning activities based around your curriculum. If you have this option, meet up with a few members of your teaching team and plan together! Make the 2019-2020 school year your best year yet. You have the time! Make it worthwhile.

Get Physical

Work on your fitness! Spend some extra time at the gym, take extra long walks, do hot yoga or go swimming or hiking with friends. Join a step challenge with friends ,or other people online! Now you have time to focus on your personal fitness goals.

Much Needed “Me Time”

I have noticed that some people are very modest, find it off-putting or even selfish to put themselves first or take “me-time” because it lets the team down, or shows that a person isn’t dedicated to their job, etc. I say – forget about all of that. It is both healthy and necessary to take time to yourself. Recharge your batteries, refocus your mind, just relax! While I believe this should occur during the school year, too, summer break is a perfect way to start putting self-love into practice. Take a long hot bath, light some candles, put Lavender into your essential oil diffuser. Sleep in late, go to bed early, paint a new canvas, chill by the pool – whatever truly relaxes you – do it (within reason…. don’t end up sprouting roots as you morph into a couch potato)

In what ways do you productively pass the time over summer break? I’m positive there are other creative ways to enjoy this time of freedom and relaxation. I’m interested to hear from you. Tweet me ( @mrssierraflores ) or leave a comment below!