How to actually relax this Easter (without the guilt!)

Easter break provides a much-needed pause from lesson planning, marking, and dealing with that one Year 9 who has a lot of opinions about your seating plan. But let’s be honest, how often do you really switch off?

If “relaxing” for you means sipping a coffee while mentally mapping out next term’s lessons, it’s time for a reset. You deserve a proper break, and here’s how to make sure you actually get one.

Give yourself permission to rest 

Working with pupils is exhausting, and you need time to recharge. If you feel guilty for not being productive, challenge that thought. Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Taking a break now means you’ll have more energy and patience when you return. Write yourself a permission slip: "I give myself permission to rest this Easter. Work will still be there when I return, but I’ll be better equipped to handle it if I take time to recharge." Pop this on the fridge so that you reenforce this message every day.

Block out ‘no-work’ days

It’s all too easy to tell yourself you’ll just do a little planning and suddenly find you’ve spent half the holiday glued to your laptop. Before the break disappears, set at least three days where schoolwork is completely off-limits. Tell someone about your plan so they can help you stick to it.

Do something just for you

When was the last time you did something purely because it made you happy? Not because it was useful, necessary, or efficient, just for the joy of it. Whether it’s a hobby, a long-overdue catch-up with a friend, or finally watching that box set, make time for things that make you feel like you again.

Get outside

You don’t have to plan a huge hike or an ambitious outdoor adventure, even a short walk with a friend can make a difference. Fresh air, daylight, and movement are simple ways to reset your mind and boost your mood. Try to do something outdoors every day.

Set boundaries with work

If you really must get some schoolwork done, decide in advance when and how much time you’ll spend on it. That way, you stay in control instead of letting work creep into every spare moment. And be realistic, some things on your to-do list won’t get done, and that’s okay. Write yourself a separate ‘to-do’ list just for your own wellbeing and stick to it.

Prioritise sleep 

Teachers are known for running on fumes, but Easter is the perfect time to reset your sleep routine. A few good nights of proper rest can work wonders for your energy levels and general wellbeing. Step away from the late-night lesson planning, keep a regular bedtime, and allow yourself to catch up on the sleep you’ve been missing. Try to avoid doom-scrolling before bed time, and swap that for a long hot bath with a good book. Build in small changes to your sleep routine so that when you get back to work you are modelling good habits. 

Connect with people who lift you up 

Spend time with friends and family who make you laugh, and remind you that you’re more than just a teacher, and don’t bring up the latest Ofsted report. Meaningful social connections are one of the best ways to recharge and reset. It’s often something that we feel too tired for, but short interactions with friends and family are key to feeling well-rested.

Ditch the guilt and enjoy your break 

You do not need to earn your rest, you already have. Taking time to switch off won’t make you a less dedicated teacher. In fact, it will make you a better one. School will still be there when you return, but a well-rested, recharged version of you will be able to handle it far better than a burnt-out one.

So, breathe. Enjoy your Easter eggs. Unwind properly. You deserve this.