As a music teacher, you work tirelessly during the school year, juggling rehearsals, performances, and classroom demands. When the holiday break rolls around, it’s tempting to fill every moment with errands, commitments, and family obligations. But if you want to return to work refreshed and ready to inspire your students, you need to prioritize rest. That’s why we’re diving into how savvy music teachers actually get rest during their holiday break. These three strategies will help you protect your time, recharge your energy, and set yourself up for success in the new year.
1. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
The first step to a restful break is learning to say “no.” Set clear boundaries around your time and energy by avoiding unnecessary commitments that don’t serve you. For example:
- Stop checking work emails the moment your break begins.
- Decline last-minute gigs or holiday performances that feel more stressful than joyful.
Communicate your boundaries early and clearly with colleagues, friends, and family. Remember, it’s not selfish to protect your time—it’s essential for your mental and physical well-being.
2. Plan Low-Key, Rejuvenating Activities
Rest doesn’t have to mean doing absolutely nothing. Instead, choose activities that bring you joy and leave you feeling refreshed. Some ideas include:
- Taking a long walk or curling up with a good book.
- Practicing a creative hobby like painting, knitting, or playing music just for fun.
- Scheduling a spa day or enjoying quiet family time.
The key is to pick activities that energize you rather than drain you. This is how savvy music teachers actually get rest during their holiday break—by intentionally choosing what supports their well-being.
3. Prep for January—But Keep It Minimal
A little preparation for the new year can ease anxiety and allow you to relax fully during your break. Spend an hour or two reviewing lesson ideas, organizing materials, or brainstorming activities for January. The trick is to keep it light and low-pressure—don’t let it turn into full-blown work.
By doing a small amount of prep, you’ll feel more confident heading into the new semester, without sacrificing the restful break you deserve.
Final Thoughts
As a music teacher, taking time to rest isn’t just a gift to yourself—it’s a gift to your students. A relaxed, recharged teacher brings creativity, energy, and positivity to the classroom. So this holiday season, set boundaries, choose joy-filled activities, and do just enough prep to feel ready for the new year. That’s the secret to how savvy music teachers actually get rest during their holiday break.
How will you make rest a priority this holiday season? Share your plans in the comments below or on social media—I’d love to hear from you!
Prefer to take a deep dive into this whole rest thing? Check out my podcast on the same subject.
Need help planning for the rest of the year? My curriculum maps, Musical Maps can help.
Here’s a link to some relaxing and gorgeous Christmas Music from Daria.