Returning from spring break isn’t just tough on students, it can be tough on teachers as well. Whether you spent your break relaxing on a beach, catching up on sleep, or tackling a never-ending to-do list, returning to the classroom can feel like a tough transition.
The students are dragging, you’re dragging, and suddenly, those last few months before summer feel like an eternity. While you’re busy motivating your students to get back on track, remember to check in on yourself, too.
If you’re feeling stuck in the post-break slump, here are some key ways to push through and make these last few months count.
Create Small, Attainable Goals
There’s nothing more satisfying than setting a goal and reaching it. Whether it’s spring cleaning your classroom, tackling standardized testing, or simply staying on top of your grading, make sure you set goals that you can realistically achieve.
The more goals you accomplish, the more motivated you’ll feel to keep going. Start small, and before you know it, the school year will be over.
Prioritize Your Health
Maybe you overindulged a bit over spring break—and that’s okay! But now that you’re back, it’s time to focus on your well-being. Eating the right foods, staying active, and getting enough movement throughout the day will help you stay focused at work and energized enough to handle the rest of the school year.
Even though teaching is exhausting, this time of year can leave you running on fumes. That’s why taking care of yourself is non-negotiable. Remember to fuel your body, move your body, and get enough sleep.
Don’t Procrastinate
The first few weeks after spring break can leave you feeling sluggish, making it tempting to put things off. But procrastination only makes the workload pile up. Instead of delaying important tasks, tackle them head-on.
Excuses won’t get you anywhere, but checking things off your to-do list will keep you moving forward. Consider trying the “just start” method. This is where you commit to working on a task for just five minutes.
More often than not, once you start, you’ll find the motivation to keep going. Plus, the sooner you check things off your list, the more time you’ll have to relax later.
Stick to Your Routine
Spring break can throw off even the most structured routines. Maybe you stayed up later, slept in, or spent a little too much time binge-watching your favorite shows.
Now that you’re back in the classroom, it’s important to re-establish your routine. If you’re used to grading papers every Friday after school, keep doing it. Don’t switch things up just because summer is getting closer.
Sticking to your usual routine will keep you grounded and make the remaining months feel more manageable. It will also help you stay focused and push through to the end of the year.
Find Inspiration
Teaching isn’t just about getting through the year, it’s about finding moments of joy along the way. Think about what inspires you and brings you happiness in the classroom.
Walking outside during lunch with a coworker can be nice. You can get some fresh air and enjoy small things like birds singing, the wind, or the sunlight.
Try that yoga class you’ve been curious about or sign up for an online course that excites you.
Finding inspiration in and outside of school will help keep you motivated and happy through the rest of the year.
Practice Mindfulness and Positivity
Staying motivated isn’t just about what you do, it’s also about how you think. Your mindset can make or break these final months of the school year.
When you approach your work—and your students—with optimism, everything feels a little more manageable. A simple shift in perspective can be the difference between feeling completely drained and finding the motivation to finish strong.
Take time to live in the moment and quiet those negative thoughts. Even just a few minutes each day to breathe, reset, and refocus can make a huge difference in your energy and overall well-being.
Small mindfulness exercises can improve your memory, help you focus better, and provide clear thinking for any challenges you face.
Get Organized
If you weren’t organized before, now’s the time to fix that. Teaching in a cluttered space isn’t just frustrating, it’s stressful. And stress is not motivating. Remember, organization doesn’t have to be an all-day project—start small.
Clean off your desk, declutter one drawer, or create a system to keep track of upcoming deadlines. A little bit of order can go a long way in making your days feel more manageable.
When everything has a place, you’ll feel more in control and ready to tackle your tasks. A well-organized classroom (and workspace) makes a world of difference.
Reward Yourself
What’s more motivating than a reward? Looking ahead to a summer trip, a new wardrobe addition, or a fun home project can motivate you to keep moving forward.
Set a goal, work toward it, and reward yourself when you reach it. Knowing that something enjoyable is on the horizon can help keep you pushing forward.
Saying goodbye to the sun, fun, and relaxation of spring break isn’t easy. But remember—summer is right around the corner. Use these strategies to stay motivated, and before you know it, you’ll be packing up your classroom and heading into a well-earned break.
Until then, take care of yourself, find joy in the small moments, and keep pushing forward—you’ve got this.
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