Thanksgiving break is a much needed pause in the busy life of a teacher—a chance to rest, reconnect with loved ones and catch your breath before the rush of the holiday season. But this short window of time can also feel like a balancing act. How can you make space for true relaxation while preparing to return to work with focus and clarity? In this post, I’m sharing how I use Thanksgiving break to recharge and realign, along with some simple tips for transition back to the classroom with a clear head and renewed energy.
Embrace Rest
Embracing rest during Thanksgiving break is key to recharging both mentally and physically. As teachers it’s easy to feel like we should keep working, even if we are supposed to be off. But balance comes from giving ourselves permission to rest. Whether it’s taking a nap, reading a book, or just having a quiet moment, rest helps us gain back energy that we need for the busy months ahead. Personally, I love watching Christmas Movies on the couch, guilt free for hours. Just relaxing and enjoying the holiday feeling. Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s necessary for staying healthy and doing our best in the classroom and beyond.
Mindful Productivity
Mindful productivity is all about finding small, meaningful task that helps us feel accomplished without overwhelming ourselves. During Thanksgiving break it’s easy to get caught up in feeling guilty for not being productive. Instead, I like to focus on simple tasks that bring a sense of order and calm. This year I organized my pantry and decluttered my closet—two areas that had been weighing on me. It felt so good to create a space that made things easy to find. These small tasks didn’t take much time, but they helped me feel more in control and ready to get back to school with a clearer mind.
Enjoying Hobbies
Hobbies are a great way to find balance during break, as they allow us to relax and enjoy the present moment. For me gardening has been a peaceful escape and harvesting collard greens has been especially satisfying this year. There is something so grounding about growing your own food and knowing where it comes from. I also created a YouTube channel, which has been a fun creative outlet. Sharing my experiences through videos will allow me to connect with others. These hobbies not only bring me joy but also help me recharge, giving me the balance I need to return to work with fresh energy.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving break is the perfect opportunity to reset and find balance. Whether it’s through rest, mindful productivity, or enjoying a hobby. By embracing time to recharge and focusing on tasks that bring us joy we can return to school feeling refreshed and clear-headed. Balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making time for what matters the most. As we head into the final stretch of this year, let’s carry forward a sense of calm & clarity we found during break, ready to take on whatever comes next.
How do you find balance during Thanksgiving break. I’d love to hear your tips for recharging and preparing for the return to school. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Thanks for stopping by!
