2025 Teacher Self-Care Checklist for Summer Break

There are 25 suggestions on this 2025 teacher self-care checklist for summer break that will help you diversify your days and find lots of ways to relax this summer.

You made it!

Another year down and another year wiser.

It doesn’t matter if this was the greatest year of your teaching career or one of the hardest. All that matters is that it has wrapped up, and it is time for you to rest and rejuvenate over the summer break!

It is summer 2025, and this break is yours!

And while it’s tempting to just melt into your couch with an iced coffee and 14 hours of reality TV (honestly, valid), don’t forget: self-care is more than just bubble baths and sleep-ins.

It’s about doing what your body, mind, and heart actually need after a whole year of showing up for everyone else. 

So, in honor of 2025, here are 25 simple, restorative, and totally doable ways to show yourself some love this summer.

Teacher Self-Care Checklist for Summer 2025

1. Sleep in without an alarm (not on a weekend!).
2. Drink water like it’s your job
3. Do a dance in the kitchen just because
4. Unplug for a full day. We’re talking no emails, no school group chats, no guilt.
5. Schedule that appointment you’ve been putting off.
6. Get outside daily. Find a park you like, sit on your porch, or just go for a walk.
7. Try a new hobby just because it sounds fun, not because it’s productive.
8. Book a massage or spa day. We know it can be a little pricy, so even if it’s just a short massage, do it for you.
9. Read a book for fun. Just something fun. Not for learning, but for entertainment.
10. Watch something just for laughs. Watch or rewatch something that totally makes you laugh out loud.
11. Do nothing for an hour and don’t feel guilty about it.
12. Say no to anything that doesn’t feel like a “heck yes.”
13. Reflect on the year just a few notes or voice memos for future you. 
14. Start a “Next Year” list, but only after a full week of not thinking about school.
15. Revisit a favorite childhood activity. Maybe its puzzles, coloring, jumping in the pool. Whatever you used to love, try it again.
16. Spend time alone without an agenda.
17. Meditate, journal, or pray. Ditch the noise and spend some quiet time by yourself.
18. Listen to your favorite music it doesn’t even have to be school-appropriate.
19. Create a morning or evening ritual that feels calm and cozy.
20. Get lost in nature. Go hiking, swim in a lake, or just cloud-watch in your backyard.
21. Go on a day trip to somewhere new.
22. Take yourself on a solo date (ice cream and bookstore combo? Yes, please.)
23. Buy something small that brings you joy—a new mug, plant, or pair of cozy socks.
24. Try a “yes day” where you say yes to what you want in the moment (no lesson plans allowed).
25. Meet up with Teacher Friends (during the school day) Spend time with each other without students or plans or expectations. Just hang out as friends and do something that doesn’t normally fit into your school day. Like lunch at that cute little coffee shop!

Here’s the Thing…

You don’t have to do all 25 on this teacher self-care checklist. You don’t even have to do 10. But choose a few and make them non-negotiable.

Because the best way to show up for your students in August… is to take care of you in July.

If you enjoy this topic and want to learn more, check out this blog post about teacher self care.

Enjoy your summer!

Curriculum planning can be a lot easier when you truly understand the standards you are intending to teach. Grab these FREE standard breakdowns for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA below to help you!