100 Days In: Rejuvenation and Self-Care for Teachers

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the 100th day of school—an incredible milestone that deserves recognition, not just for your students, but for you as well. While the 100th day is often a fun celebration in the classroom, it’s also the perfect time for teachers to pause, reflect, and refuel for the rest of the school year.

By now, the energy from the start of the year may have faded, and the realities of lesson planning, grading, and daily classroom challenges might be catching up with you. So before pushing full speed ahead into the next stretch, take this moment to focus on yourself.

Here are some ways to rejuvenate, practice self-care, and recharge your passion for teaching as you move forward.

1. Take Stock of Your Accomplishments

Teachers are always looking ahead—planning the next unit, preparing the next lesson—but don’t forget to look back at what you’ve already accomplished.

Ways to Reflect & Celebrate:

• Write down 10 successes from the past 100 days. These can be big (helping a struggling student succeed) or small (keeping your classroom organized).
• Revisit student progress. Take note of how far your students have come since the first day of school. Their growth is a reflection of your impact!
• Celebrate with a “100 Moments of Joy” list. What have been the best moments in your classroom so far? What made you laugh, smile, or feel proud?

Acknowledging your wins will remind you of why you do what you do and can re-energize you for the months ahead.

2. Prioritize Rest & Boundaries

Teacher burnout is real, and the 100th day is a great time to check in with your energy levels and work-life balance.

Ways to Rest & Recharge:

• Set (or reset) your boundaries. If you’re grading papers late into the night, consider setting a time limit for work each evening.
• Commit to better sleep. Even a small improvement in sleep can make a big difference in your energy levels and patience.
• Give yourself permission to take breaks. You deserve moments of rest—whether it’s a quiet coffee break, a walk outside, or simply leaving school on time at least once a week.

3. Plan Something for YOU

You pour so much into your students—now it’s time to pour into yourself.

Ideas for Self-Care:

• Schedule something to look forward to. Whether it’s a massage, dinner with friends, or a simple afternoon to read a book, having a plan in place helps ensure you actually do it.
• Reignite a personal hobby. Have you let go of something you once loved? Painting, hiking, yoga, playing an instrument—reconnect with it, even if it’s just for a few minutes a week.
• Take a day off (if possible). If you have personal days saved up, don’t feel guilty about using one for yourself.

4. Refresh Your Space & Routine

Sometimes a small change can make a big difference in how you feel each day.

Ways to Reset Your Environment:

• Declutter your desk. A clean workspace can reduce stress and help you feel more in control.
• Change up your classroom setup. Even rearranging a few things can give the space a fresh feel.
• Incorporate something new into your routine. A five-minute mindfulness practice, a new morning playlist, or a gratitude journal can shift your mindset and energy.

5. Connect & Recharge Through Community

Teaching can feel isolating, but you’re not in this alone.

Ways to Find Support:

• Lean on your teacher friends. Grab coffee with a colleague, vent about the tough days, and celebrate the good ones together.
• Join (or re-engage with) a teacher group. Whether it’s an online educator community or an in-person meetup, connecting with others who understand your journey can be incredibly refreshing.
• Ask for help when needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to reach out—whether it’s to a mentor, administrator, or even just a friend who can listen.

6. Reignite Your Passion for Teaching

If the mid-year slump has set in, it might be time to reconnect with what inspires you.

Ways to Stay Inspired:

• Try a new teaching strategy. Switching things up can bring excitement back into your lessons—for both you and your students.
• Attend a professional development session that excites you. Look for a workshop, webinar, or conference that reignites your passion.
• Remind yourself of your “why.” Keep a collection of positive notes from students, a journal of teaching moments you cherish, or a folder of emails that remind you of the difference you make.

7. Set Intentions for the Next 100 Days

Instead of overwhelming yourself with big goals, set a few small, manageable intentions for the remainder of the school year.

Ask yourself:

• What’s one thing I want to do differently to take care of myself?
• What’s one thing I want to improve in my teaching?
• What’s one way I can bring more joy into my classroom?

Even tiny shifts can lead to big changes in your mindset and energy.

Final Thoughts

The 100th day of school is a milestone—not just for your students, but for you as well. You’ve worked hard, given so much, and made a difference in countless ways. Now, it’s time to take care of yourself, too.

So, pause. Reflect. Recharge. And step into the next 100 days with renewed energy, balance, and joy.

What’s your favorite way to practice self-care as a teacher? Share your thoughts below!