Get Motivated in 2026!

Do you go back to school tomorrow? Are you dreading it? I go back tomorrow and I’m doing my best to look on the bright side! Do I wish I didn’t have to set my alarm? Yes…but I know it’s time to get back in my daily routine and get back to my students. That’s why I am thinking about how to get motivated in 2026!

How to Get Motivated Before School

1. Think about seeing your teacher bestie! You may not have connected with your teacher friends during the break. It’s nice to disconnect over break with all things school, so you may not have chatted with anyone even related to school. Not a bad thing! But, now, you have something to look forward to!

2. Coffee run for great coffee! While at home, you, probably made your own coffee after awakening. There was no need to leave the house that early. But now, since you’ll be out anyway, you can make a quick stop at your favorite drive through coffee shop on the way to school to get that morning caffeine buzz to get your day started. Don’t forget to leave early enough to make that stop though. You don’t want to be runnning late on your first day back!

3. Think about the students you missed! I know we say we don’t have favorites, but we know it’s not true. There are always students you favor and others, not so much. We do a great job of not showing it, but it doesn’t mean we can’t think about it. Which student/s make you smile to think about?

How to Get Motivated During School

1. Plan something fun you want to teach! I know the first days back are usually about reviewing routines and procedures and getting back to curriculum. While important, plan a fun activity that will get your students excited, too! It could be a craft, game, or special snack to welcome students back. Check out this post for directions to make an edible snowman, 8 Simple No-Bake Winter Snacks to Make in the Classroom. Pair it with an interactive picture book read aloud like Snowmen at Night or The Biggest, Best Snowman.

2. Analyze data and make goals for improvement! I know, sounds the opposite of something that is motivating, but believe me it really can be. Typically, mid-year benchmarks are either complete or about to be completed. Take the time to look at the data. Are you happy with the results? Were you surprised by anything? What positive takeaways can you gain from it? Remember you have half of a school year left to teach your students. Make it count. That can be motivating in itself.

Next, take what you can from the data to celebrate what is going well. Then, decide what areas need improvement, and make a plan for how to get there. Benchmark data is only a snapshot and is rarely, if ever, completely accurate, but it can be useful. Check out this post for more on Using Data Effectively.

3. Refresh your classroom! In these first days back, especially if you start back with a teacher work day, take time to refresh your classroom. I always bring home pillows and stuffies to wash in the washing machine over the break to start out germ-free. Furthermore, upon return, I wipe down and disinfect high-touch areas along with doing a little dusting. Getting the grime off helps combat winter illness and makes everything smell a little fresher.

You could, also, take it one step further and change out some deco and redo some bulletin boards. I like to change out the books in my classroom library at this time, too. A refreshed classroom makes your environment more comforting and pleasurable to be in, which will help motivate you to want to spend time there.

How to Get Motivated After School

1. Take time for a little after school rejuvenation! Going back to school after a break is not only tough on students, but it’s tough on teachers, too. Plan a little fun for yourself that first week back. Maybe book an after school massage or facial, get your nails done, take a bath with Epsom salt and essential oils, indulge in a yummy dessert, or read a good book! Don’t let that first week back be all about work and taking care of your family’s needs. Take time for you!

2. Work out! I can’t believe I just wrote that. I’m not a health nut by any means and don’t enjoy the gym, however I do know I feel better when I exercise at least a little bit. We do a lot of sitting during the day and standing on unforgiving floors. It’s important to stretch and get our body moving, so we are not stiff and in pain. The older I get, the more I feel that.

It can be as simple as taking your dog for a walk, taking a bike ride, or following along with a short yoga video on YouTube. In fact, being outside coupled with the exercise is a great practice because you get the benefits of exercise and being in nature. You could, also, choose to go to a gym and work out or join an exercise class. My favorite is bungee fitness! It’s low-impact cardio that is done to music while attached to a bungee. Check around for local bungee studios near you!

3. Practice gratitude! Get in the habit of writing in a gratitude journal each evening or night before going to bed. Just a few snippets from your day on what you are grateful for from the day. It can be from home or school. Reflecting on the good moments from your day will help you go to bed feeling peaceful, which will help you get a better night’s sleep. Then, when feeling a little down or unmotivated, pull it out to read to recapture feelings of happiness and peace.

My favorite gratitude journals come from Denise Albright. Click this link to be brought to the website: Gratitude Finder. Then, use code TEACHERBYDAY for an exclusive discount.

4. Get ready for the next day! I like to have my outfit out and ready in advance of the next morning, so I can think less when getting ready. You can, also, have a plan for your lunch ready and, maybe, even have the snacks packed and ready to go for the next day. Furthermore, I already have my bag packed, so it’s grab and go. All of this saves time in the morning, too, so you don’t have to get up quite as early. That’s motivating!

Conclusion

I hope after reading this post you are at least a little more motivated to go back to school in 2026! I got more motivated just writing it! Let me know in the comments which idea sparked motivation in you or add what gets you motivated. If you liked this post, you may enjoy this one, Reflecting on Your Goals in the New Year.