Turning the calendar pages to June or July signals the end of another school year and the start of your long-awaited summer. It is the season of deep breaths, long walks, and cups of coffee that you finally have a chance to finish before they get cold. This year, perhaps more than ever, teachers need a chance to unplug, unwind, and recharge. Whether you want to stay close to home, travel around the world, or start a new habit, we've got a list of summer suggestions tailor-made for educators.

Think back on this past school year. On the days when classes were a bit rowdy, paperwork seemed to be piled high, and administration's expectations seemed a bit overwhelming, where did your mind go? Where did it wander? Did you wish you were taking a nap? Hiking a trail? Or curled up on the sofa watching your favorite movie? Think back on all those moments and compile them into your summer bucket list. Make it your goal to check off as many of your listed items as possible. Not sure where to start? We've got a few ideas for you:

Grab a Good Book: No matter what your summer looks like, here's a list of 22 great summer reads that will be perfect for the park or the pool.

Find Time for Friends: Now that your weekdays have a bit of flexibility, meet that long-lost friend for lunch, have an afternoon at a dog park, or head to a movie matinee. Friend dates don't have to be expensive. These budget-friendly activities will help you make plenty of memories without spending your hard-earned money.

Plenty of Play Time: Recess may be just for kids, but playtime isn't! How can you make time for fun this summer? Play a game that makes you laugh-whether it's a Monopoly marathon, a game of kickball, or an old-fashioned water balloon toss, make sure you make time to play!

Free time is certainly an oxymoron during the school year, but the few weeks of summer provide a bit of flexibility and a chance to start a new hobby, sharpen a new skill, or explore new interests. Here are a few new things you may want to try!

Make Music: Is there a secret rock star trapped inside your teacher's body? Now is the time to find out! Why not take some time this summer to learn to play an instrument or sing? Online resources like yousician.com can teach you how to play the guitar, ukulele, piano, or bass, as well as how to sing. From the privacy of your own home, you can foster your love of music and start something new.

Get Growing: Gardening is extremely therapeutic. It has been found to reduce anxiety, increase self-esteem, and boost one's mood. After a long and exhausting school year, this summer may be the perfect time to plant flowers or vegetables, get your hands dirty, and reconnect with nature as you tend to your garden. Worried that your thumb might not be green enough? These gardening tips for beginners will help set you up for success. While your first attempt may not result in a prize-winning harvest, it will be a great way to release stress.

Start a Healthy Habit: When you think about what your body must do every day to function (and function well!), it is truly an incredible feat. The more you nurture and care for your body, the better you'll feel. Summer break is the perfect time to start or revive some healthy habits. Commit to making healthier meals, limiting sugar, or starting some type of exercise routine. It doesn't have to be overwhelming! There are several websites that offer meal prep ideas for busy people. If you're looking for community or camaraderie, consider joining a local running group or taking a fitness or yoga class for beginners at your local gym. It takes only 21 days to make a habit stick! If you get started now, you'll be healthier, more energized, and in a great and healthy habit come fall.

Not only were educators tired this year because they were forced to teach virtually, but they also had to reshape their instruction with no hope of a spring break getaway or a winter break vacation to the tropics or even grandma's house. Now that vaccines are being administered and restrictions are being lifted, this summer is the perfect time to travel! There are many benefits of travel, and we're here to help make sure that trip can happen.

Pick a Place: To plan a trip, you must first pick your place! Are you hoping to go museum hopping, explore some national parks, or take an epic road trip? Once you determine where you'd like to go and what you'd like to see, you can begin the fun part: planning!

Look for Discounts: We know teachers deserve the world, but they also deserve a discount! Thankfully there are several agencies and hotel chains that want to reward you for your hard work. Certain sites will offer teacher travel discounts. You can find deals on cruises, rental cars, and even amusement parks.

Virtual Vacation: Hopping on a plane or boarding a cruise ship may be too hard to coordinate this summer, but that doesn't mean you can't travel-at least virtually. Virtual vacations allow you to experience sights and sounds around the world from the comfort of your couch! Whether you want a live cam view of Brooklyn, NY, or a walking tour of Paris, this site has it all!

We know that this school year has been filled with unseen challenges, but through it all, you've remained strong and present for your students. May this summer season be one that rejuvenates you. May you find time to do things that bring you great joy, relaxation, and peace. Teachers, you are heroes (and here are the posters to prove it! Whether you opt to travel the world or binge your favorite shows from your sofa, this summer is for you! Here's to enjoying it to the fullest and finding great rejuvenation.