Teacher Summer Rest: Recharge After a Long School Year.

You did it.

Graphic saying ‘Thank you, teachers — from Dolly,’ expressing appreciation and support for teacher wellbeing and summer rest.

Another year of packed timetables, late-night marking, endless small moments of encouragement and care that no one else sees. You gave your all and now, it’s finally
your turn to rest. Not just a quick nap between planning sessions, but real, guilt-free, glorious rest.

Because rest isn’t something you “earn” by crossing off a checklist. It’s a right. A necessity. The foundation that allows you to keep showing up, year after year.

And after a long school year, teachers need rest more than anything. Real rest that supports wellbeing and prevents burnout.

Rest isn’t optional — it’s essential

You don’t need to “make the most” of your summer by being productive. You don’t need to catch up on house jobs, get ahead for September, or “use your time wisely.”

This summer, your time is yours. Full stop.

True rest is what refuels your energy and helps you rediscover that spark, that first brought you into teaching. Teacher summer rest isn’t about ticking boxes or prepping in the background. It’s about softening, slowing down, and letting yourself breathe.

Rediscover small, personal joys

Imagine an entire day in your pyjamas, binge-watching Netflix without a single moment of guilt.

Or maybe you spend an afternoon listening to the same song on repeat, or flipping through a book you never intend to finish, or just not talking to anyone, conserving your voice.

Perhaps you take a slow walk with no destination at all, just enjoying the feeling of moving without rushing anywhere.

These small, simple joys aren’t “wasted” time. They’re part of teacher wellbeing, and they’re what bring you back to yourself. They remind you that you’re more than a teacher; you’re a human being with your own rhythms, quirks, and quiet pleasures.

At Dolly, we understand the power of real rest

We know you’re so much more than your lesson plans and classroom strategies. You’re a whole person - friend, parent, musician, artist, gardener, or dreamer - and you deserve moments that belong only to you.

Teacher as a friend, parent, artist, gardener, musician, and dreamer.

That’s exactly why Dolly exists: to help you reclaim your time and protect that sense of freedom and calm, even once the term begins again.

During the school year, tools like Dolly can ease teacher workload and reduce the admin that often leads to burnout, but summer isn’t the time for any of that.

Right now? We’re not here to talk about planning or productivity.

We’re here to say: rest deeply.

Watch that extra episode.

Stay in your pyjamas all day.

Say yes to whatever feels good — and no to everything else.

You’ve earned every moment

This summer, give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing.

Teacher relaxing at home with a cup of coffee and a book, enjoying summer rest and quiet self-care after a long school year.

No guilt.

No pressure.

Just the quiet, joyful reminder that you are worthy of rest, exactly as you are.

What’s your favourite way to completely switch off?
Tell us below — or keep it as your private summer secret.

👉 Want to learn how Dolly can help you keep this restful feeling alive during the term? Discover more here or follow us on LinkedIn for more updates.