Summer Recuperation

It’s been a year full of challenges. Teaching a Literacy class with sensitivity can be tough. I also worked as a supply teacher in a split-level class which came with its own challenges. It is fair to say that once our summer hiatus came, I was exhausted. I decided not to teach over the summer and to take a much-needed break.

I wanted to spend time with my family and to recuperate. To be honest, my tank was running on empty. My job was becoming more like an obligation and less of a calling. I was starting to lose the passion I had when I first started my career as a teacher. Yup, I needed a break.

A month in, I am happy to say that my batteries have been recharged. In a month’s time, I’ll be happy to go back and serve my students’ needs with the fervour I initially had. Work is tough, so is taking a break. For a couple of weeks after my break started, I was still in the teaching headspace. My thoughts would turn to my students, and I would come up with ideas about how I could serve them better.

I needed to acknowledge where my thoughts were going and focus on things that give me pleasure in my leisure time. Those two things may be very different, but it was important to focus on my relationships, health, and fun, so that I could lead a more balanced life. I also promised myself that I would get in the habit of doing those things for rest and recuperation when I went back to work.

The FIFA World Cup was often on our television at home, and I checked in with my parents about who was playing and leading in scoring whenever I had the chance. Wherever there was a television, there was a gathering of people. They were showing games even at my favourite snack bar at the Beaches, so my friend and I enjoyed lunch watching a game. We watched the final at home. My niece loved the halftime show and the roar that came from the neighbours a little bit delayed because I think they were watching the game on a different channel.

On the health front, I decided to eat smaller portions and exercise. I am happy to say that I haven’t had backaches since I started doing my morning yoga routine, which I will definitely try to do when I go back to work. I even started running, and I think signing up for a couple of charity runs will keep me motivated.

The thing I did most this summer was read. I found that my mind needed to be intellectually challenged and this is a great way to keep stimulated, and to slow down. I read books on the brain, positive psychology, the human body, meditation, and short stories. I even took an online quiz about my character traits, and one of the top ones was the love of learning. So, I guess that fits and is something that I can be proud of.

I really got the reading bug. While waiting for a pedicure, I scrolled a little bit on Facebook and Instagram, and said to myself, you know what, I would really love to read something. So, I found a book on Google Play and started reading.

I listen to the audiobook as well. If there is a book that I don’t really have time to read, I check whether Audible has it, and then I do my household chores while listening to the audio. Sometimes, I increase the speed to get the gist quicker, but if there is a nice leisurely narrative that I need to absorb, I leave it on regular speed.

I am thankful for the time I spent recuperating, and I am interested in what others are doing. Please share your ideas in the comments below.