How to Kickstart Your Summer: From Burnout to Breathe Easy

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Hey hey hey — welcome back to Chalkboard Chatter, the podcast where we talk all things teaching, learning, and, yes, how to live your life as an educator, not just survive the school year.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Here’s the truth: no matter how long you’ve been doing this — whether you’re a brand-new teacher or have your name on a district plaque somewhere — burnout happens. Some of us need structure to rest. Some of us need to do nothing for a week before we can even think about a to-do list. Both are valid. There’s no award for “most productive summer.” The only goal is to get to the fall feeling recharged, not just reactivated.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

If you’re like me, that transition can be bumpy. You want to relax, but you’re also staring at your laptop, wondering if you should finally clean out your Google Drive. (Spoiler: don’t. Not yet.) So here’s what I’ve been doing to ease into summer:

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

📚 My Summer Reading Stack: Alright, let’s talk summer reads — because for some of us, the only thing more relaxing than turning in grades is turning the pages of a good book.Here’s what’s on my summer reading list — a mix of fiction, deep thinking, and a little entrepreneurial energy: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. This one’s powerful — it follows twin sisters who take radically different paths, one living as white, the other staying rooted in her Black identity. It unpacks race, family, and identity in ways that are beautifully written and emotionally layered. Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. Don’t be fooled — yes, it’s a romance, but it’s so much more than that. Tia Williams dives into generational trauma, creative identity, and what it really means to be seen, especially as a Black woman in the literary world. New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis by John Walton. If you’re into theology or just love challenging your perspective, this one digs into ancient Near Eastern contexts to explore how we understand the Genesis narrative — definitely a thought-provoker. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, I know, not your typical beach reed — but hear me out. If you're thinking about launching a side hustle, passion project, or even just reframing how you approach goals, this book teaches you how to test, learn, and pivot with purpose. Zero to One by Peter Thiel. Another great one for the educator-entrepreneur or anyone curious about innovation. It’s all about creating new value in the world, not just copying what already exists. Honestly, it got me thinking about how we innovate in schools, too.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Let me give you a peek into what summer’s been like for me so far. Last weekend? I said “yes” to renting a scooter and riding through Downtown Detroit — with my husband, Vern, who was doing a photo anthology of the murals of Detroit's downtown and the Eastern Market District. No agenda, no stopwatch, just joy. That evening, we hit up a Detroit Tigers game. We didn’t care about the score — I was there for sunshine, garlic fries, and a stadium full of people who weren’t asking me to grade anything.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And then, because I needed something active, I signed up for the Hard Cider 5 K. I walked, and yes, the cider at the finish line made it worth it. Pro tip: always run toward a beverage.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I want you to hear this loud and clear: you are allowed to rest without earning it. You don’t have to read a million professional books or say yes to a thousand “just one hour” summer PDs. You don’t have to feel guilty for staying in pajamas until 10 a.m.Summer is your season to come back to yourself. Reset your energy. Restore your joy. Even as someone who loves this profession deeply — and I do — I know that being a great teacher starts with being a well-rested human.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

[COMING UP NEXT TIME…] Next week? We’re going full cozy. I’m sharing my favorite TV show binges — teacher-approved and summer-perfect. I’ll break down what got me through grading season, which shows helped me zone out when my brain was fried, and which ones made me laugh out loud, even when the school year had me stressed. So grab your favorite snacks and streaming login, and don’t miss it.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Alright, friends, that’s it for today. Whether you spend the next hour in the sun, under a blanket, or just breathing deeply in silence, do it without guilt. You’ve earned it.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Thanks for joining me on Chalkboard Chatter. I’m Candice Nicholson, wishing you the soft start to summer you deserve.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow educator who needs a reset, and remember — being a passionate teacher and a person with a life outside the classroom. That’s the real balance.