JessicaWhether you’re looking to relax with your feet in the kiddie pool in the backyard, embark on an adventure, or indulge in your favorite hobbies, I’ve got you covered with 10 fund ideas for your teacher summer bucket list that will ensure your summer is filled with unforgettable experiences.
Because summer break is just around the corner, and teachers everywhere eagerly count down the days until they can finally unwind, recharge, and explore! After a year of hard work and dedication, it’s time to treat yourself to some well-deserved fun.
So grab your sunscreen, pack your bags, and get ready to make the most of your well-deserved break. It’s time to create memories that will last a lifetime and return to the classroom feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
⛱ Teacher Summer Bucket List
☀️ Catch Up on Rest
If you’ve had a long year, summer break is the perfect time to catch up on much-needed rest. Take the first few days after school lets out to allow yourself to rest in whatever way that is for you.
Vegging on the couch or staying in your PJs all day! Anything goes. It can help reset the brain, help with irritability, and even give you the energy you need to do the fun things you choose over the summer! You can use the rest to help you transition to summer quickly. Read more about transitioning to summer here.
So why not just let yourself sleep? Whether it’s an all-day affair or an afternoon nap, the key is to listen to your body and give it the rest it needs. Catching up on rest can be tricky for busy teachers, but the rewards are well worth it!
☀️ Unplug
Teaching is a demanding profession that requires a lot of energy and dedication. As a teacher, taking care of yourself physically and mentally is important. Summer break provides the perfect opportunity to focus on self-care and recharge your batteries.
Taking time allows you to relax, rejuvenate, and return to the classroom feeling refreshed and ready to take on new challenges. It’s important to prioritize self-care and make it a part of your summer routine.
One of the best ways to unwind and recharge is by unplugging from all the noise. Whether you prefer 24 hours or a week away from technology, there are plenty of ways to spend your time without technology (read on for more). Unplugging allows you to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and plug into something you enjoy doing with your time.
☀️ Enjoy the Simple Things
Creating a teacher summer bucket list has numerous benefits for teachers. But the best things to put on the list are the simple things. Those things that you don’t get to experience during the school year.
Enjoying a good night’s sleep without an alarm, drinking your coffee hot, and going to the bathroom when needed are at the top of the list for keeping it simple. Spending time organizing that room in your home you haven’t been able to, trading in the big bag for a cross-over purse, and going to the doctor appointments you’ve been avoiding also makes this list.
Prioritizing these tasks is just the self-care you need in summer. It ensures that you are taking the time to relax and recharge. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life and skip out on the simple things, but summer break provides a chance to slow down and focus on your well-being. You can ensure you care for yourself physically and mentally by including simple activities.
☀️ Bask in Nature
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, why not do more of it? During summer break, the weather is ideal for spending time outside. Connecting with nature allows you to reduce stress and see the beauty in the world around you.
A few ideas include sitting in the sun with your feet in a kiddie pool, spending time in your garden, or hiking in your backyard or a nearby trail. The key is to get outside and appreciate the opportunity to do something different.
So why not step outside? Whether you go outside daily or weekly, the key is to enjoy and embrace the beauty of nature. It’s a great way to relax and unwind.
☀️ Dive Into a Good Read
Reading is another great way to relax, escape different worlds, and expand your knowledge. With a teacher’s busy schedule, finding the time to read during the school year can take time and effort. That’s why summer break is the perfect opportunity to catch up on your reading list and dive into a good book.
So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and get lost in the pages. Whether you read on the beach, by the pool, or in the comfort of your own home, reading is a wonderful way to relax, learn, and escape into different worlds.
☀️ Plan an Adventure
If you’re looking for a shorter adventure that doesn’t require a lot of planning or time off, why not plan a day trip or weekend getaway? There are often hidden gems and attractions just a short drive from where you live, waiting to be discovered.
Planning a day trip or weekend getaway allows you to escape the everyday routine and experience something new and exciting. It’s a great way to recharge your batteries and get a change of scenery without having to travel far. Whether you prefer a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a trip with friends or family, there are endless possibilities for you to explore.
So grab a map, research some local attractions, and plan a day trip or weekend getaway that suits your interests. Whether hiking, visiting a nearby city, or exploring a new restaurant, stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the adventure is key.
☀️ Binge a New Series
If you’re a Netflix Junkie like me or enjoy a good show, why not find a new series (or two) to binge this summer? This allows you some much-needed downtime. Bonus if you find someone to enjoy it with you! Whether you like crime drama or romantic comedy, new shows are always coming out.
You may even find an old show you enjoy but never watch! So why not take a few hours and let yourself relax? The key is to completely unwind and immerse yourself in something you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to.
☀️ Make Memories
One of the best ways to spend your teacher’s summer is to make memories that will last a lifetime. Teachers have the unique experience of working hard all year long; they also have the opportunity to spend some of their years exploring, adventuring, and trying new things.
Take advantage and bring those you love most along with you. You’ll make memories of the summer you enjoy and be able to talk about your memories for a long time to come. It will boost your mood and excite you for a lifestyle you enjoy!
☀️ Plan for the Upcoming Year
Enjoying everything on your teacher’s summer bucket list will eventually end as the new year rolls around. You can spend a bit of your summer planning for the upcoming year.
Without feeling you wasted any of your summers, planning in advance will help you prepare to continue to enjoy summer until you start school again in the fall!
⛱ More Teacher Summer Bucket List Ideas for You to Explore
Teacher Summer Bucket List (blog)
The Fabulous Big Summer Bucket List for Teachers (article)
Summer Bucket List for Teachers (blog)
6 steps to crossing anything off your bucket list | Ben Nemtin | TEDxTeen (video)
Creating a summer bucket list allows you to set goals and plan for the summer ahead. By having a list of activities you want to accomplish, you can make the most of your time off and ensure you’re making the most of every moment. This can help you avoid the feeling of wasting your summer and instead create a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
A summer bucket list encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. As a teacher, you constantly encourage students to take risks and try new experiences. This summer, it’s time to take your own advice and embrace new opportunities. Trying out new activities can be exciting and invigorating, and it can help you discover new passions and interests that you can bring back to the classroom.
Lastly, a teacher summer bucket list is a great way to prioritize self-care and ensure you’re relaxing and recharging. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life, but summer break provides a chance to slow down and focus on your well-being. By including activities that promote relaxation and self-care, you can ensure that you’re taking care of yourself physically and mentally.
