How many hours do teachers work? Scheduling “Do-Nothing” Days

Schedule Some “Do-Nothing” Days This Summer

How many hours do teachers work in a week? Often a rhetorical question, but a well known way to remind us to take care of ourselves. As teachers, we thrive on schedules and routines during the school year. However, I learned early on that overscheduling during the summer is not productive. Even in retirement, I have occasionally overscheduled my days and wondered how I got myself into this mess. That’s why I have come to cherish “do-nothing” days—those magical days of authorized laziness that are the best mental stimulation ever!

Instead of fighting the urge to fill every moment of the summer, I plan a few “do-nothing” days at the beginning and end of the break, and I scatter some throughout the season to ensure ample time for recharging.

Why “Do-Nothing” Days Are Essential

These days are exactly what they sound like: days where you commit to doing absolutely nothing. Some of these days mean no plans outside the house. Others—particularly at the start of summer break—are truly days of nothing. You might watch movies and stay in your pajamas all day. You might even order takeout and not bother finding a vegetable to go with it. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for teachers who need a break from the constant hustle, having a day or two of authorized laziness just feels good.

Simple routines during an unstructured time can help reduce anxiety and help you feel grounded and in control during the summer months. Here are some ideas on how to structure a “do-nothing” day and why they are beneficial for teachers.

How to Structure a “Do-Nothing” Day

If you’re in a year-round school, consider scheduling a “do-nothing” day during a weekend every month. Here’s a mock schedule filled with lots of relaxing, non-productive activities from morning to evening:

Morning:

• 8:00 AM: Sleep in as long as you want. No alarms allowed!
• 9:00 AM: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed. Maybe some pancakes or a favorite cereal.
• 10:00 AM: Lounge around with a good book or binge-watch a favorite TV show.
• 11:00 AM: Take a relaxing bath or shower, and then change into fresh pajamas.

Afternoon:

• 12:00 PM: Order lunch from your favorite restaurant. Pizza? Sushi? The choice is yours.
• 1:00 PM: Have a movie marathon. Pick a theme—maybe 80s classics or the latest blockbuster series.
• 3:00 PM: Nap time! Take a guilt-free nap without setting an alarm.
• 4:00 PM: Spend some time on a hobby you enjoy, like knitting, drawing, or simply scrolling through social media.

Evening:

• 6:00 PM: Order dinner or make a simple meal. Comfort food is encouraged.
• 7:00 PM: Take a walk outside if you feel like it, but no pressure if you’d rather stay in.
• 8:00 PM: Video call a friend or family member for a low-key catch-up session.
• 9:00 PM: End the day with a relaxing activity—listen to some music, do some gentle yoga, or read a book.

Night:

• 10:00 PM: Wind down with a cup of herbal tea.
• 11:00 PM: Head to bed early or stay up late, depending on what feels right for you. The choice is yours.

Embrace the Summer Mindset

Adopting a summer vacation mindset year-round can be incredibly beneficial. No matter how busy you might be, try to build in time for joy and relaxation. The work of a teacher is truly never going to be done, so make sure you’re prioritizing what you need. Spend time outside, with loved ones, and build empty space into your schedule so you have time to rest and relax.

Practicing self-care for teachers might not do away with end-of-summer anxiety entirely. Let’s face it, the first day back to school (and sometimes the first few weeks back) can be tough! But if you prioritize time for the things that light you up, you’ll be able to find joy among the stress.

Conclusion

Scheduling “do-nothing” days is a great way to ensure that you get the rest and relaxation you need to recharge. By planning these days throughout the summer and even during the school year, you can maintain a healthy balance and keep your mental health in check. So go ahead and block off those days in your calendar—your future self will thank you!