Continuing our two-part series on rest, this month’s focus is on why educators need rest to thrive. In our Main podcast episode, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith identifies seven essential types of rest, explaining how each supports our energy and health. In our More podcast episode, Dr. Martha Grajdek challenges the habit of New Year’s resolutions, arguing that restorative change begins with doing what truly matters to us. Then, Heather Kretschmer introduces the issue.

In the Think Tank, Kate Piatkowski examines emotional rest and the power of saying no. Julia Daley reveals what autistic burnout feels like and what the research shows, while Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler calls for teachers to rethink unhealthy work habits by embracing more sustainable ones. Next, Colleen Seki asks if intellectual curiosity is a form of rest. Satoko Kato tells us why time away from work isn’t enough and offers teachers strategies to regain inner equilibrium. Through a first-person narrative that channels Marc Helgesen’s voice, Michael Rost describes Marc’s restorative experience at a Thai monastery.

In our Plus, Klaus P. Michelsen shares a poem that speaks to the effort it takes to unplug and be fully present. Then, Mirela C. C. Ramacciotti highlights the contributions of scientists who have shaped our understanding of stress and distills their work for educators. Finally, Rodolfo Mattiello unpacks higher-order thinking skills and argues why language teachers must go beyond grammar instruction.