How to Handle the Post-Winter Break Blues: Tips for Teachers

Your winter break may have been filled with joy and festivities, but let’s be honest; returning to the daily grind after a few weeks off can be tough. If you’re feeling a bit low, you may have the case of the “teachers post-winter break blues.” Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some tips on how you can handle the post-winter break blues and make a smooth transition back to work.

Snag a free roadmap to help you stay on track throughout the year when you are lesson planning. HERE!

Plan Ahead

One thing that can make going back to work more manageable is planning ahead. Take some time to reflect on your goals for the coming days and weeks. Create a schedule that outlines your priorities, deadlines, and expectations for both you and your students. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve can help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Ease into things

After a long break, jumping right back into work can be overwhelming. Instead, try to ease into things. Start with small tasks and gradually tackle bigger projects. Similarly, don’t expect your students to dive right back into learning. Start with a light workload and incorporate fun activities to help students ease into the routine.

winter break classroom rules review task cards

A great way to help students get back into their school routine is by incorporating activities that help them practice their back to school routines as well as taking time to review classroom rules. Check out these classroom rules and routines winter break review task card set to help you get your students back on track.

Practice Self-care

Teaching is a demanding job, and it’s essential to take care of yourself to avoid burnout. Simple self-care practices can help manage a teacher’s post-winter break blues. Drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, reading a good book, or taking a walk can help you feel energized and refreshed to tackle the post-winter break blues.

Prioritize Relationship Building

post-winter break blues for teachers blog post

Since students have been away for a few weeks, it’s essential to start the year by prioritizing relationship-building activities. Spend time getting to know your students again, even if it means sacrificing some instructional time. Use team-building activities and ice-breakers to create a welcoming, supportive classroom environment.

Be Flexible

Lastly, be flexible in your expectations. Things may not go as planned, and that’s okay. Adjust your plans as needed to meet the needs of your students and yourself. After all, teaching is a dynamic job, and flexibility is key.

Tips for How to Handle the Post-Winter Break Blues

As you prepare to head back to the classroom, remember that you’re not alone. Many teachers and homeschool moms are in the same boat and may also be experiencing the post-winter break blues. However, by taking the steps outlined above, you can alleviate these feelings and make a smooth transition back to work. Remember to plan ahead, ease into things, practice self-care, prioritize relationship building, and be flexible. Happy teaching!