Let me say this loud and clear: if you feel exhausted, you are not alone. When that final bell rings at the end of the school year, emotions run high. There is joy, relief, and sometimes guilt. You smile as you high-five your students goodbye, but deep down, you know your energy tank flashes red. Educators often give so much during the year that they have very little left for themselves by summer. I see this every day. That’s why this summer must be more than just a break; it must be a reset.

Let’s delve into self-care, not the overused, surface-level version. It is so much more than spa treatments or bubble baths. These choices transform your energy, sharpen your focus, and allow you to approach the new school year with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. The power of self-care is transformative, and it's within your reach. 

It's been a year since I had a conversation with my friend, author, and happiness coach, Kim Strobel.  Her call to action for radical self-care is more relevant now than ever.  Here are some summer self-care strategies for educators looking to recharge and come back stronger next year. These strategies have been tried and tested, and they work. You can trust them to make a difference in your well-being. 

1. Cut the Drain, Keep the Gain

Identify what drains your energy. Perhaps it's a constant flood of group texts, social media scrolling, overbooked calendars, or conversations that leave you feeling more tired than relaxed. I sign your permission slip to remove your work email, work apps, and notifications from your phone. Take a social media break. Choose one thing and remove it or reduce it. Just one. That small boundary frees up space. Take walks without answering texts or emails. Say no without guilt. You will begin to feel the shift.

2. Schedule Nothing Time

Yes, put nothing on your calendar. Block out one morning a week where you do not answer emails, check lesson plans, or run errands. That space helps your brain relax. Use that time to journal, sit outside, or sip your coffee while it's still hot, without a clock yelling at you. You need that silence to hear yourself again. You will enjoy the time shared with friends and family even more when you feel more like yourself.

3. Do One Thing That Scares You (Just a Little)

Growth requires discomfort. Choose something new—teach yourself to swim, join a painting class, try yoga, or speak at a local workshop. Do something that nudges your comfort zone. Your brain loves new things. You start to build confidence again, and that spills over into your school life.

4. Create a Radical Wellness Plan

This is the big one. Forget basic “self-care.” Craft a Radical Wellness Plan. What does that mean? It means identifying what you need to feel whole mentally, physically, and emotionally, and making it a non-negotiable priority. It could include morning quiet time, meal prep, walks with music, or therapy sessions. Radical wellness means honoring yourself so you can show up whole. It is not selfish, it is survival. 

5. Find a Book That Feeds You

Find one that lifts you. Fiction, memoirs, poetry—whatever inspires or brings laughter. Let your mind escape. Read poolside, in bed, or on a park bench. Let words bring joy again. You need those stories that lift your spirit.

If your professional soul needs some inspiration, check out these titles:

Just Do This… by Steven A. Bollar
The Educator’s Guide to Improve Culture and Climate in the Classroom, School, and District

Elevated Educator by Megan Diede and Kara Rigsby
Turning Classroom Lessons into Engaging Experiences Using the 7 Pathways of Learning

Teach Happy by Kim Strobel
Small Steps to Big Joy

Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
The New Psychology of Success

Educators, you do not need to earn rest. You don't need to feel guilty for choosing quiet or reorganizing your plans. You pour out love, patience, and guidance all year. Now it is time to pour some of that back into yourself. Before summer slips away, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself: “What do I need to feel whole again?” 

Let us rest on purpose. Let us heal on purpose. Let us stand tall, even in rest. Because when you recharge, you show up better for your students, your family, and yourself.

You got this.