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Episode Summary

You made it through another school year! 🎉 But summer break doesn't automatically fix teacher burnout. Host Grace Stevens shares 4 proven strategies to help teachers truly disconnect, recover, and prepare for renewal during summer break.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Strategy #1: Create a Closing Ritual ✅

• Stop, Start, Continue Reflection (30 minutes)
  • 🛑 STOP: What drained your energy without results?
  • ➡️ START: New approaches you want to try
  • ✅ CONTINUE: What worked well this year
• Set an "August Problem" date - no school thoughts until then!
• Embrace the clean slate opportunity teachers have each year

Strategy #2: Complete the Stress Cycle 🧘‍♀️

Teaching = constant assault on your nervous system. Your body needs intentional recovery:

• 💤 Sleep without alarms
• 💧 Hydrate properly (no more classroom dehydration!)
• 🚶‍♀️ Move your body (walking, stretching, yoga)
• 🎨 Create (quilting, painting, writing)
• 👥 Socialize with non-teacher friends

Strategy #3: Triage Your Summer To-Do List 📝

Your list is too long (we know it is!). Apply medical triage principles:

• 🚨 Must Do: Critical & time-sensitive only
• 💭 Nice to Do: Not urgent
• 🤝 Delegate: Stop doing everything yourself
• ❌ Eliminate: Some things don't need doing

Pro Tip: Listen to Episode 50 for setting boundaries with family who think you're "free all summer"

Strategy #4: Rebuild Your Identity Outside Teaching 🌱

Remember who you are beyond the classroom:

• List 5 things you love doing (non-teaching related)
• Challenge: List 5 things you love about yourself (not related to serving others)
• Reconnect with neglected hobbies and interests
• Read books that aren't about education!

Key takeaway: Remember: August is coming whether you worry about it or not - you might as well enjoy your summer! 🌞

#TeacherBurnout #SummerRecovery #TeacherWellness #EducatorSelfCare #TeacherLife

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand course, Balance Your Teacher Life. You can go the self-study route or join a cohort with group coaching for Summer 2025.

Check out all the details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

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🎉 Summer is almost here, and I'm dropping some serious truth bombs about why your sweet summer break should be about HEALING, not hustling. If your summer to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt (I see you! 😅), this episode is your roadmap to setting the limits you need for a joyful back-to-school season.

🎯 What You'll Learn

The Four Essential Areas to Set Limits This Summer:

1. 👪 Set Limits with Your Family

• Just because you're "off" doesn't mean you're available 24/7
• How to handle the division of labor conversations
• Scripts for saying no lovingly: "I love spending time with you, but I also need time to recharge so I don't burn out before school starts"
• The "guided close" technique for managing requests

2. 🚫 Set Limits with Guilt & Over-Productivity

• Unlearn the martyr complex (I see you, people-pleaser! 💕)
• Schedule non-doing time proactively
• Remember: Productive rest is important too
• Having needs doesn't make you needy - it makes you human ✨

3. 📅 Set Limits with Invitations & Commitments

• Do fewer things and enjoy them more
• The gut check question: "Is this aligned with rest and joy, or guilt and obligation?"
• My Christmas story: One favorite activity per family member = more joy, less stress
• Simple script: "I'm prioritizing rest this summer. I'm gonna have to pass."

4. 📱 Set Limits with Social Media & Screen Time

• Your nervous system wasn't designed to "drink trauma from a fire hose"
• Experiment with app deletions and screen-time goals
• Model the behavior you want to see
• Focus on being present with the people who matter most

This episode includes practical strategies, a pep talk (always), and a celebration of all you've accomplished this year.

Listen now, and share with a teaching friend!

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand course, Balance Your Teacher Life. You can go the self-study route or join a cohort with group coaching for Summer 2025.

Check out all the details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

How to Transform Your Teaching Career Into Something New

This week I'm chatting with Lisa Harding, CEO of Teacher Career Transitions Academy, about how educators can successfully transition to careers outside the classroom.

Born into a family of teachers but taking a different path herself, Lisa shares her journey from educational technology executive to certified career coach dedicated to helping teachers recognize their transferable skills and overcome imposter syndrome.

Whether you're considering leaving teaching, looking for a side hustle, or planning for post-retirement opportunities, this dynamic conversation provides valuable insights and practical steps for your career journey.

Key Points Discussed:

• Common misconceptions teachers have about changing careers and overcoming imposter syndrome
• Current career paths that are excellent matches for teachers' skill sets
• How to rebrand classroom skills into corporate-friendly resume language
• A step-by-step process for transitioning out of teaching
• Practical exercises to identify your transferable skills and career options
• The importance of networking when considering a career change
• and so much more!

Even if you're not looking to leave teaching right now, this information is incredibly valuable. Many of us will eventually move beyond the classroom, and understanding your options can actually reduce stress and provide peace of mind.

Resources Mentioned:

• GRAB THE FREE DOWNLOAD Teacher Career Transitions Directory: 200+ careers for transitioning teachers with job summaries, core skills, and salary ranges
• Learn more about Teacher Career Transitions Academy

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand course, Balance Your Teacher Life. You can go the self-study route or join a cohort with group coaching for Summer 2025.

Check out all the details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)