Summer Self-Care Plan for Educators

Because we give so much, we must also receive.

As June rolls in, many of us are counting down the days to the end of the school year. Some are gearing up for summer programs, while others—especially directors and assistant directors—are already planning for the upcoming school year.

Educators are perpetual planners: the next holiday, family night, registration deadline, classroom update... all while supporting our students, families, and staff. And somehow, we’re expected to make time for our own families too.

Recently, Tamar Andrew shared a poignant reminder:

“We are so busy taking care of others for the entire year, that we need to find those people in our lives that can take care of us and ALLOW others to care for us.”

We are natural caregivers—it’s in our DNA. But we often wait until we are burned out before we pause. If we don’t prioritize self-care, our physical and mental health suffer.

I recently began a new position at a new school, and for the first time in years, I won’t have my summers off. I admit—I’m nervous. I worry I won’t get the time I need to recharge. That’s why I’m making a pledge—and inviting you to join me.

My Summer Self-Care Pledge

• I will eat healthy—and still enjoy ice cream.
• I will call my friend down the street for evening walks.
• I will carve out a few beach days to unwind and just be.
• I will spend more time with my family.

Community-Sourced Self-Care Ideas for Summer:

• Spend time in nature: hike, paddleboard, or read in a hammock
• Journal your thoughts or dreams
• Create something: paint, sketch, knit, write poetry
• Tend a garden or grow a new plant
• Catch up over lunch with a friend
• Go for a swim (even if just a toe dip)
• Log off social media—just for a day or two
• Sleep in (you’ve earned it!)
• Reconnect with loved ones—make that call or plan that visit
• Practice yoga or meditation—even for 10 minutes

This summer, I wish you peace, presence, and permission—to rest, to play, to reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been set aside during the school year. You deserve it.

Let’s take care of ourselves—so we can continue to care for others with joy and intention.

Stacey Gabriel

Assistant Director, Kehillath Israel Preschool

Brookline, MA