Is there a reason that taking a vacation can make us better teachers?  Teaching can be a really difficult job.  Teachers serve a large number of customers in the course of a school day.  We  interact with hundreds of people each day.  When you are dealing with the unique qualities of small children or adolescents, teachers do have a very stressful load.  Most of us grade papers after school hours, and have to post grades during our personal time.  Taking time for a vacation helps us return to the classroom with a fresh attitude.

Teaching is a field that has a lot of deadlines.  Each day we stress about tomorrow’s lessons.  There are stressful parent teacher conferences, IEP and staff meetings, and mountains of emails and paperwork that contribute to the daily stress of our jobs.  These are not just contributing factors because they can actually contribute to physical illness.  Stress can lead to our body’s ability to resist infection, maintain vital functions, and avoid injury. If you are responsible for extra-curricular programs, the need for a rejuvenating vacation becomes more important than ever.

Vacations make us better teachers, because we can rest our minds and think creatively about our own needs.  Whether you plan to sit on the beach or travel to foreign countries, taking time to rest will help you come back to the classroom with a fresh point of view. Many teachers have second and third jobs in the summer to pay those tuition bills, so don’t forget to schedule in some relaxation time. Vacations provide a necessary break to the stress cycle, and according to Psychology Today, “the benefits of vacation will contribute positively to family bonding.”  Get busy  planning your vacation this summer, it will make you a better teacher.

Source: Psychology Today