My Summer Reset Routine as a Teacher: Reflect, Reclaim, Rebuild

Summer used to feel like one long exhale, a chance where I finally have a chance to sit, sleep, and pretty much not even think about work.  
But somewhere along the way, that deep breath turned into a shallow gasp.

Instead of relaxing, I found myself recovering from the long school year, and then when it came back to going back into the classroom – I started to feel that same nagging stress.
Instead of restoring, I was just… shutting down.

This year, I decided to do things differently.
This year, I chose to reset and really work towards a system of healing❤️

And I want to walk you through what that looks like—not just as a teacher, but as a woman, creator, and human being reclaiming her rhythm.

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Why Rest Isn’t Enough

For years, I thought resting over the summer would be enough to refuel me. I’d sleep in, cancel plans, and binge-watch shows – which I was doing the minute I ended the school year.

Gut when August came around, I still felt drained and tired. I felt like I was going through the motions, and couldn’t really get that same energy I had.  I remember that I used to feel excited to start the year, but recently I just felt blah,

What I was missing wasn’t more rest.

What I needed was a reset—a chance to clear my head, reconnect with myself, and set the tone for who I want to be next school year and really who I want to be for the rest of my life!

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The 3-Phase Summer Reset I Now Live By

This summer, I’ve leaned into a three-phase reset:
Reflect, Reclaim, Rebuild.

🪞 Reflect:

I ask: What worked this year? What didn’t?
What patterns am I ready to release?

I journal almost every morning—nothing fancy, just 10 quiet minutes of truth-telling.  I sometimes even find the time to do some decorative junk journaling, which helps me to relax as well.

And I take walks, alone, with no agenda but to listen to what’s rising within my spirit as I take the time to write.

🔁 Reclaim:

This is where I take back what I lost in the grind of the year.  I take time to think about my plans and goals for the year, along with all of the responsibilities and extra activities I said “YES” to.  As a teacher – I am 100% sure you know the story.  As I reflect upon these ideas, I take time to reclaim what worked well – and remove what did not work well for me this year.  Below is my process and how I get that done👇

That means:

• Waking up slow (without guilt)

• Drinking coffee while the house is quiet

• Saying yes to what fills me up—and no to what doesn’t

• Rediscovering the joy of creativity and stillness

• Making decision that are necessary to my overall physical and mental health!  I choose what worked well, and what did not.

Most importantly – I never have regrets or allow bitterness to take a hold of me.  I view every experience as an opportunity that I learned a valuable lesson from.  In this case, some lessons are the simple task of say NO and not allowing the feeling of guilt to take over.

🌱 Rebuild:

Once I’ve cleared the mental and emotional clutter, I ask:
What do I want to create?
Who do I want to become this year?

How do I want to show up for myself, my family, my friends and my students.  

This part is sacred. I light a candle, open my Dream Life Vision Journal, and map out routines that make space for joy, not just productivity.  I review my Dream Life Book and review my goals and passions for the year – not just the school year – but I look at all of my yearly goals and actions as a way to remind myself of the joy I have and the possibilities for my future.

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Want to See It In Action?

🎥 In my latest vlog, I take you inside my real-life routine:
“What I Do During My Summer Reset: My Real Routine and Why It Matters”

Click the Link Below to check it out👇

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_7UxcyXH_8&t=1s

This isn’t a perfect aesthetic highlight reel—it’s a peek behind the scenes of how I actually live this reset in real time.

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Free Gift for You: My Summer Self-Care Bingo

I created a fun Bingo Card that allows you to take some time this summer and support yourself, and your personal growth!  Have fun and enjoy❤️

📥 [Click here to download it free]

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