Take A Tech Break: 10 Tech-Free Activities to Help You Transition Into A New School Year

By VHS Learning

We are all addicted to technology––over 70% of Americans check their phones within 10 minutes of waking up, and on average, we look at our phones 344 times a day (about once every four minutes). For teachers, technology is also usually a requirement of the job: more than half of teachers dedicate between one and four hours a day to use digital tools with their students, and add even more time for all of the planning, emails, and record-keeping that teachers have to complete digitally each day. Even over summer break, when we don’t have to log into our edtech platforms and tools every day, technology consumes a significant portion of our time.

Technology has led to many benefits in our lives and has positively impacted teaching and learning in so many ways, but too much screen time can also cause negative effects for our focus, mental health, and even our sleep. Without taking breaks from technology throughout the day, we increase the likelihood of these negative effects, which can ultimately lead to chronic physical and mental health issues.

With all of this in mind, we could all use a little tech break. Even if you just have a few moments throughout the day to unplug, you will benefit from taking the opportunity to engage with tech-free activities. Plus, you’ll be able to transition into the new semester feeling refreshed and inspired.

Here are ten ways to take a tech break with activities that will help you transition into a new school year:

1. Put on your favorite music or an audiobook, and decorate your classroom.
2. Read an inspiring book to get excited for a new school year.
3. Prepare (or create) a learning garden at your school for students to plant in this fall.
4. Create a collage to display for your students to learn more about you and your interests!
5. Take a walk around the school to catch up and cultivate relationships with your colleagues before the school year is in full swing.
6. Practice self-care and treat yourself to a day of pampering: take yourself out to dinner, get a haircut, get your nails done, visit the spa, or have a cozy read in your favorite coffee shop.
7. Finish up one more personal project before you’re back to work––whether that be a hobby, home improvement, or completing a personal goal.
8. Collect books for your classroom library by looking in thrift stores and asking family and friends for donations.
9. Meal prep to make for a smoother transition into the school year––making and storing freezer meals now will make weeknight dinners a breeze!
10. Go for a nature walk or a hike with your family and/or pets to get some fresh air and exercise––try one of these fun activities while you walk!