With just a few weeks left before most Texas educators report back to campus, now is the time to take advantage of building a healthy, sustainable lifestyle that can begin in the summer and follow you into the fall. It is easy to become tangled in the chaos of a school year, so summer is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and finally breathe again.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Start meditating. Meditation is one of the easiest ways to effectively calm down your overwhelmed brain and body. You can utilize guided meditations on the internet, or practice mindful meditation to bring attention to your current state. Mindful meditation can help you focus on your breathing, the tension in your body, and/or the noises surrounding you. Employing meditation in your everyday life can reduce stress and heighten overall physical awareness. 
• Indulge in self-care. Self-care looks different for every individual. For some, a warm bath with their favorite music can be enough. For others, planning a vacation, drastically changing their physical appearance, or making a favorite meal can be a version of self-care. Whatever you enjoy doing during your time for personal growth, do it. Taking care of yourself and allowing yourself to enjoy doing something that makes you happy will boost your serotonin levels for the rest of the day. Check out ATPE’s member discounts to see if you can save some money while taking care of yourself!
• Keep a journal. Journaling is a great way to relax your mind. Writing down your thoughts and feelings—whether in your Notes app on your phone or in a physical notebook—can also help you reflect on your day and think about your feelings. Journaling can also be a creative outlet to record your ideas on the go. Using journaling can ultimately help shape your mood for the rest of the day, reduce depressive thoughts, and enhance your sense of well-being. Plus, journaling is a great way to keep organized!
• Get outdoors. Getting a breath of fresh air can relax even the most stressed. Take some time to walk outside, sit on your back patio, or drive with the windows down. Feeling the sun on your skin and the fresh air in your lungs can help you reflect, take some deep breaths, and continue with your day—a little less stressed.

Summer is a great time to recharge, reflect, and relax. Whichever way you choose to spend your summer, ATPE hopes you spend it how you want to!