From the Chair: Relax, Rejuvenate and Recharge

The countdown to summer is on, and after the complete shift in program and delivery we are adapting to, I am more than ready for summer vacation! My summer goals are generally pretty simple:

1. Relax and veg for the first week with no plans to accomplish anything.
2. Read a “vacation book” while on the beach visiting friends on the East Coast.
3. Take a trip to somewhere new – it’s Germany this year...maybe.
4. Read one work-related book while on summer break.
5. Do one big work project for the summer, usually something new I would like to implement, more planning for programs we are doing, lesson plan writing for classroom presentations or just more professional development in one area.

However, if I am being totally honest with myself, I will likely spend the bulk of this summer trying to decompress and process the last few months of school as we were all thrown into full-on crisis mode. I will also spend some time trying to figure out how to move forward in the upcoming school year. I foresee myself needing more self-care than normal just to destress from the last few months of work and homeschooling (my own kid) and everything else that has been different from the norm.

Now, more than ever, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to take time away from work over the summer. I have had some summers where it was pretty much work all summer long and I was so not excited to start the new school year – all because I didn’t allow myself a break! Being completely away from work – physically and mentally – for a block of time is one way to refresh your mind and be prepared to be in the right mindset for the upcoming year. Another way could be taking the opportunity to spend a little time on professional things that are of interest to you personally; perhaps there is a workshop you would like to attend or a school counseling-related book you would like to read. Go for it – just don’t overtax yourself and make it non-stop work.

This year has thrown us for a loop, and although things have been crazy and a bit scary at times, I have been absolutely amazed to see how resilient we can be in our programs and in our own lives. Take some time this summer. Reflect on these last few months. Make a plan for the summer, and most of all, enjoy yourself. You deserve it!

Contact Shiloh Wheeler, AzSCA chair, at rayshiloh@hotmail.com.