June can be a whirlwind for school staff. As you approach the end of a school year, there is so much to do: Final report cards are due, teachers may be worried about their year-end evaluations and school secretaries are busy transferring records for graduating students.

Stressing out never helps. How do you let go of work before going home each day?

Here are some strategies:

• Make a plan for what time you aim to leave work each day.
• Make a list of the things that need to get done for the next day; and
• Evaluate what tasks only you can do and what can be completed with someone else’s help.

On the commute home, make a point of cultivating mindfulness — being in the moment allows you to make a smoother transition to the evening.

Once you get home, shutting off your smartphone for a set amount of time allows you to focus on your home life and enjoy the quiet and solitude or the time with family or friends.

It is sometimes inevitable that you bring work home, but if it is a regular occurrence, you will not be fully present for your home life.

Everyone can benefit from a vacation for some part of the summer months. Allowing yourself to take a true break also gives you the opportunity to cultivate a new interest.

Here are some tips:

• Engage in activities that appeal to you but don’t fit into your busy schedule during the school year or that you don’t think you are good at;
• Try something completely new — step out of your comfort zone;
• Make a list of things you like to do and find a buddy to accompany you;
• Spend time with people who have a different perspective from you — the synergy created will generate new ideas;
• Unplug from technology;
• Get outdoors and enjoy nature!

Teaching is an exhilarating and joyful profession, but it’s also a demanding and emotionally draining one. Taking time away from work will help you to decompress and reflect on your work and will leave you refreshed and ready to take on the challenges of the year ahead.

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