am writing this from the countryside. The view is incredible.  I’m staring at rolling hills and trees of all different colors, shapes and sizes.  There are sunny skies above, a gentle breeze and even a hawk circling above looking for mice.  Just sitting here and staring into space is incredibly refreshing. 

I, like many of you, have spent months inside the house. I have gotten so far deep into my work routine, that I honestly forgot there is another way to live. It’s so easy to get hyper focused on everything you have to do, that you forget what it’s like to just go out and relax a bit. 

Well, let me tell you people, I just got out and WOW does it feel good. I’m completely renewed.  I suddenly remember the power of fresh air and green plants. And it felt so good that I didn’t even mind the annoying flies!

This little get away was so refreshing that I want everyone to feel the same way I do now.  Therefore, take my advice, use this weekend to recharge your batteries and take time for yourself.

So let me show you exactly how to do this.

• Get caught up with all your grading. We all know that it can wait.  In other words, you need the break. 
• Plan 2 weeks worth of lessons. You never end up with 2 weeks worth of material anyway. Besides, who likes to do that much planning? 
• Research your content area. You know enough already, so just pat yourself on the back and trust your current level of knowledge.
• Reorganize your gradebook. I love crispy lines and perfectly highlighted spreadsheets too, but this isn’t the time.

• Something you love! Is it Origami? Mud Wrestling? Crochet? Especially now, your motto should be “The weirder the better”. 
• Find an online museum exhibit. Just think about it, no lines!
• Find an irresistible podcast, plug in your earphones and go for a walk outside, preferably near a body of water. 
• Play with the selfie filters on Instagram, PicsArt or Google Arts and Culture.  Will this contribute to your wisdom and intelligence? No. That’s the point. Just have a little fun doing something a bit “brainless”. 
• Watch a funny movie – For example, try Peter Sellers “The Party” (1968). Obviously it’s an oldie, but a goodie.
• Watch a serious, but good movie. –  “The Green Mile” with Tom Hanks is great. It’s old, but it has totally held up over time.  Even if you’ve seen it years ago, watch it again. You won’t be sorry. 

I don’t know about you, but I take one look at these fun things to do and my brain lights up like a Times Square billboard. You should try it!

Google Arts & Culture – for online museum exhibits and interactive activities.

1. Browse the “Weekly Highlights” for their recommendations. Here is just a sample of what it offers:

2. Explore the cultures of the globe from your couch. For example, why not “travel” to Croatia this weekend? 

3. Pick your favorite color here and it will give you images street art from all over the world in that color. I picked green and got thousands of images like these:

The Smithsonian Institution: This website offers a summary of the best exhibitions online. Here are a few examples I thought were super cool and a kind of unique:

1. • Hearts of our People: Native Women Artists
   • Magnificent Obsessions: why we collect stuff
   • Naked Mole Rats – there is even a 24 hour live webcam! 🙂

Try a Podcast.  Obviously there are podcasts for any interest or any topic, but here are my favorites:

1. 1. Serial – Season 1 is a true story about an unsolved murder involving three high school friends. Download it and listen while you’re driving, cleaning or exercising. You won’t be able to stop once you start!
   2. S-Town.  It stands for “Shit Town” because that’s the name the main character gives to his home town. He hates it and for good reason!  Find out why. 
   3. RadioLab – this one is not a series. Each episode is different. They talk about all the strange and wonderful things in life that get you scratching your head and wondering why it’s that way. 

Yoga with Adrienne. Try this 30 Day Challenge. It’s not hard and it makes you feel super healthy and strong.  

YouTube has anything else you can possibly think of!

Hopefully this list will stimulate a few ideas, and after that, get you excited about trying something new.  Clearly, the goal here is to help you relax and renew so that you are ready to start over again on Monday. 

If you do nothing else, just try what my friend Sue highly recommends.  Drink a cold beer while chewing Big Red cinnamon gum. Trust me, your beer will never be the same again!