Originally published in TEACH Magazine, July/August 2022 Issue
By Rae Sarathy
The start of summer break is finally upon us! Now is the perfect time to unwind after an undoubtedly busy school year and indulge in some me-time routines. Here are a few items that can help you relax and recharge as you sit back and enjoy this much-needed time off. Check out these teacher must-haves for the summer of 2022.
1. Unwind and Recharge
Aromatherapy and Body Care
Now that you finally have a bit of free time, treat yourself to a little self-care by incorporating some summer-themed scents and enjoy the therapeutic benefits to your body and mind.
Wild Prairie’s summer seasonal collection features soaps, lotions, bath bombs, and more, made with ingredients that are natural, ethically sourced, and sustainable. Wild Prairie also works with community service groups to supply soap to those in need, and has donated over 5,000 bars of soap to deserving agencies.
Faerhaven offers an eco-conscious summertime lineup as well, as does the Island Man series by Stirling Soap Co., which plants one tree for each item sold.
Virtual Fitness Classes
Been eyeing some fitness classes but haven’t yet taken the plunge? Virtual fitness classes are perfect for those of you who’d like to try many different ones, all from the comfort of your home—and at the pace and the time that suits you.
ClassPass has more than 4,000 on-demand online workouts spanning strength-training, cardio, yoga, barre, Pilates, meditation, and many more. You have the freedom to create your own custom workout by mixing and matching different fitness styles. ClassPass offers a flexible month-to-month commitment.
2. Indulge, Guilt-Free
Binge-Worthy Snacks
Catching up this summer on all the shows you missed during the year might have you reaching for some chips or ice cream. But why not try some snacks you can actually feel good about eating?
Que Pasa keeps it real with its organic tortilla chips that are made with just a few simple (non-GMO) ingredients. The company also works with food banks around North America, and has achieved zero waste at its manufacturing facility in British Columbia.
FreeYumm is a mom-owned business that creates crackers, cookies, and bars without any artificial fillers, refined sugars, or preservatives. Partnered with Backpack Buddies, FreeYumm also helps to fill the weekend hunger gap for children. Each time you purchase a package of FreeYumm, you’re helping feed a child in need.
For an alternative to traditional ice cream, check out Yellofruit, an award-winning frozen dessert that’s made with all organic plant-based ingredients, and uses “ugly fruit” to help curb waste within the food supply chain.
3. No Time to Read?
Audiobooks
Love books but don’t have time to sit down and read? Audiobooks might be just the thing for you. Whether you’re taking a leisurely walk, gardening, exercising, or passing time on a family road trip, audiobooks are the perfect way to help you squeeze in a few good reads.
Some of the most popular audiobooks on Audible this year:
Finding Me by Viola Davis
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life by Roxie Nafousi
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Reminders of Him: A Novel by Colleen Hoover
Rae Sarathy is an Associate Editor for TEACH Magazine.
