By February, he was moving through content faster—not because kids were magically obedient, but because he didn’t have to keep putting out a dozen behavior fires before getting to meiosis.

You survived,” she said.

“I did more than survive,” he replied. “They actually learned something. And I did too.”

“Oh yeah? What’d you learn?”

He leaned back in his chair. “That starting with connection doesn’t take away from content—it makes space for it.”

Below are 20 ways—equal parts serious, soul-saving, and slightly silly—to help you really de-stress this summer, support your mental and physical wellness, and prep your spirit for the next lap around the sun.  PLUS, I really like #9!

Mr. Barnes had been teaching seventh-grade English Language Arts and coaching middle school basketball for over ten years. He was steady, respected, and known for being “firm but fair.” He ran his classroom like his team practices—structured, focused, and fast-moving. His students rose to meet high expectations, and when they didn’t, there were clear consequences.

It had worked for a long time.

Until Alina.

“He’s coming,” Ms. Williams said, smoothing out a folder. Her voice was soft but tense. “I saw him and his mom outside. He looked… nervous.”

Principal Anders nodded. “We all are. But we’re here for him.”

When Aiden walked in, his small shoulders were hunched, his eyes fixed on the carpet. His mom, April, gave a polite nod, clutching her purse like a shield.

“Hi, Aiden. Ms. Carter. We’re really glad you’re here,” Ms. Anders said. “This is just a time for us to talk, figure out how to make things better, and welcome Aiden back into class.”