Winter break is here, and while it’s technically time to rest (and you should!), it’s also the perfect time to pause and take a breath—not just to recover, but to reset. No long-winded journals or five-step productivity plans here. Just quick, meaningful reflections that help me shake off the chaos and step into January with a little more clarity, purpose, and peace.
These are the simple reflection prompts I revisit every winter break. They take minutes, not hours, and they genuinely help me reset my mindset for the second half of the year.
1. What’s actually working?
Before I start stressing about all the things I could be doing better, I like to name what’s already going well. Is it my lab day routine? My classroom jobs? My class’s energy during group work?
This question helps me notice the systems and strategies I want to keep, not just the ones I need to fix. That’s just as important…maybe more.
Try it: List 3 wins from the first half of the year (no matter how small).
2. What felt harder than it needed to be?
We all have those things, procedures that somehow became clunky, activities that flopped, or just routines that felt like a daily drain. Instead of beating myself up, I just jot them down with a “🤔 fix it later” mindset.
Try it: Write down 1–2 things that could be tweaked or simplified next semester. No pressure to solve them now.
3. What sparked joy or connection?
Science can be serious, but our classrooms should also spark curiosity and connection. I reflect on the moments that made us laugh, the activities that had everyone talking, or that one class where the energy just clicked.
Try it: Remember one lesson or lab that made you think, “Yes! THIS is why I teach.”
4. How am I doing… really?
It’s easy to just reflect on teaching, but I also check in on myself. Am I rested? Burnt out? Do I need more boundaries with grading? Less pressure around prep?
This is when I gently check in on me, the human behind the lesson plans.
Try it: Ask yourself: What do I need more of next semester, and what can I let go of?
5. What’s one thing I want to try?
January doesn’t need to be a full overhaul. I pick just one thing to experiment with…maybe a new lab setup, a weekly student reflection, or a five-minute brain break routine.
This helps me return with a sense of purpose without the overwhelm.
Try it: Choose one low-lift idea you’re excited to try when break ends.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a vision board, a word of the year, or a 15-tab spreadsheet to hit reset. A few honest reflections, a deep breath, and a reminder that you’re doing better than you think is enough.
So pour the cocoa, open a note on your phone (or your journal if you’re fancy), and take a few minutes to reflect, reset, and repeat.
Your future self (and your students) will thank you.
Need a laugh and a science idea or two during break? You know where to find me. I’ll be here cheering you on (in sweats, with snacks).
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