Teachers on Summer Break: Image of lower body of someone relaxing in a chair, reading a book and drinking a beverage in a mug

Looking for some free ideas for teachers on summer break to relax and recharge? Read on for a list of 25 suggestions!

There is no tired like teacher-tired… Am I right?
(I used to say this ALL THE TIME until I became a mom – I’ve never been more tired than with a newborn that’s for sure!)

I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult this year has been for everyone in the classroom – I’m currently on maternity leave, so have missed out on this one-of-a-kind year.

The school year is winding down, or done for many of you, and it’s time to refill your cup – find ways to relax, have fun, and take care of yourself!

Here are some {mostly free} ideas of things to do for teachers on summer break:

1. Take a walk – Easiest, super free activity. It might be simple, but taking a walk (outside) has so so many benefits! Fresh air, movement, changing your mindset, and much more. I’ve heard recently about how outdoor areas where you can see out into a vast open space really do wonders for anxiety.

2. Binge an awesome TV show on Netflix/Prime/Your fav streaming site (“free” if you have a subscription) – Start a new show, or catch up on one you love. I was about to write out a list of recommendations, but seriously it would have taken up this whole blog post #tvaddict.

3. Read a book – You know that book on your nightstand that you’ve forgotten about, or you’ve been too tired to read at the end of a long workday? Pick it back up!
Personally, I have an e-reader, and many many books I’ve grabbed for free over the years, waiting to be read. My personal favs to read are Young Adult (YA novels). Check out my profile on Goodreads to see what I’ve been reading, and what’s on my “want to read” list – I also recommend creating your own account to track your reading.
BookBub is an awesome site to get free ebooks, and heavily discounted ones as well. They search popular retailers (Kindle, Kobo, etc) for deals and free ebooks daily.

4. Take a hike – Similar to taking a walk, but requires a little more planning (especially if you have no idea where to go!). Do a little research, pack up a backpack (don’t forget snacks & water, and maybe that book you’ve started), and find a mountain to climb.

5. Exercise – There are so many different ways you can move your body at home, for free. Take a walk, dance around your kitchen, do some heavy cleaning – what’s important is that we’re not just sitting around all summer.
There are also many amazing YouTubers out there, creating excellent workout content. My absolute favs are The Fitness Marshall (for dance workouts and a good laugh), and Yoga with Adrienne (for, of course, yoga).

6. Catch up on Podcasts – Podcasts are such an amazing way to learn something new or get in a good laugh. With so many types of shows out there, there’s something for everyone! Some recommendations:
For Teacherpreneurs – School of Sellers & Teacher Hustle
For parents – PedsDocTalk
For Fun – Armchair Expert & Keith and the Girl

7. Clean/Organize part of your home – Okay, not so fun, but it needs to happen SOMETIME… and it is a free activity 😉

8. Cook or bake
Try out some new recipes – now’s the time! You could make something complicated you wouldn’t normally have time for (a few summers ago I had my husband give me a “cooking challenge” with requests – I learned how to make wonton soup! DEFINITELY don’t have time for that during the school year). You could also practice some recipes to build up a list of quick & easy ideas for when you’re back to work.

9. Learn a new hobby or skill
In today’s online world, we really can learn to do ANYTHING!
What is something you’ve been dying to try? Something artistic, like hand lettering, knitting, or origami? Something practical, like cooking techniques or how to change a tire? How about something just for fun – like how to yo-yo or juggle? The possibilities are really endless.
My new current obsession is learning to draw on my iPad with the app Procreate. The app isn’t free, but I have found many YouTube tutorials (for free) and really find it relaxing.

10. Visit with friends
No stress about getting up early in the morning – you can go out on a weeknight and enjoy it! Teachers on summer break are the BEST friends to hang out with!

11. Sit outside
Enjoy the summer weather, and soak up some much-needed Vitamin D!

12. Sort through your photos on your camera roll
You may find some gems you forgot about.

13. Start a blog
Have something you want to share? Start a blog! It’s free, easy, and can be about anything at all that interests you.

14. Visit a museum (often have hours that are free!)
Check out local museums or other facilities you may be able to visit for free during weekday hours. We often miss out since we’re working, but hey, you’re on break!

15. Take an online course
The Internet can be such a great place to learn something new. Find a course related to anything that interests you, that you normally wouldn’t have the time to complete during the school year.

16. Take a nap
Seriously. We RARELY get enough sleep, especially during the school year. Take some time to catch up.

17. Meditate/start a yoga practice
A great way (for some) to clear their mind! If you can develop a solid practice before the next school year begins, this may help you find some peace when it does.

18. Start a garden
Ok, I admit – I seriously lack a green thumb – but I know for many gardening can be a lovely experience! Every year I try to grow a little herb garden, which is semi-successful at first but then I kinda forget about it.

19. Call a friend/family member you haven’t spoken to in a long time
Reconnect with someone you’ve been missing. It’s hard to find the time, but now you have a little extra. Call – yes, actually call, a friend or family member and have a nice long chat.

20. Set goals
What would you like to work on in the coming months? This can be related to anything – your health, your home, a side business, your family – whatever aspect of your life you’d like to improve on!
Writing down some ideas of what you’d like to accomplish, and some steps to getting there can give you a direction, and more ideas of what to do during the summer.

21. Do a puzzle
I’m a HUGE sudoku fan myself – I used to do them in the newspaper daily. Math puzzles, crosswords, brain teasers… They’re all good for the brain. You could even make some space and get started on a giant jigsaw puzzle – take over that whole table! Solving puzzles is a great way to exercise the brain, without screen time. A great activity to do with kids (if you have them) as well!

22. Volunteer
Search for opportunities in your community, and find something that interests you. Love animals? I’m sure your local shelter could use a hand. Prefer to help out with human beings? Check for a community center that may offer opportunities, or a local shelter, church, synagogue, or temple.

23. Clean out your closet
This goes with the previous post on helping out the community. Go through your clothing and donate all that you aren’t wearing anymore.
Here’s a little trick – turn all of your hangers backward, and turn them the right way once you wear something. After 6 months, the ones that are still facing the wrong way are holding clothes you aren’t wearing! It’s time to give those away.

24. Take a long drive
Just get in the car and go ANYWHERE! Teachers on summer break finally have the time, so why not?

25. Check out local festivals
In Montreal, near where I am, there are several festivals literally every weekend. Generally, they are free as well! Check out what’s going on locally in your town.

What ideas do you have for teachers on summer break? What will you be up to? Let me know in the comments below!

Not on summer break yet? Pin the image below to save for later!

Teachers on Summer Break: Woman relaxing, leaning back on chair by the pool

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