Director of Professional Learning
MASA
The holiday season often brings a mix of emotions for school leaders. Joy and gratitude are intertwined with stress and exhaustion as you navigate the often competing responsibilities of leading your school community while also managing your personal commitments. For many leaders, supporting staff during this busy time feels like a top priority. But here’s an essential truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your own self-care isn’t selfish—it’s the foundation of sustainable and effective leadership.
As a school leader, the holidays are a whirlwind of to-do lists and expectations. You’re addressing staff fatigue, managing school board and election results, orchestrating celebrations, and ensuring everything is in place to support your leadership teams (however small or large). This emotional load often leaves little space to reflect on your own needs. Recognizing this reality is the first step in creating a plan for balance. It’s important to acknowledge that by caring for yourself, you are in a better position to support your team in ways that are meaningful to them.
Self-care doesn’t have to involve grand gestures. Often, it’s the small, consistent practices that have the greatest impact. Start by setting boundaries and managing expectations—for yourself and others. Determine what is truly essential and give yourself permission to let go of the rest. Strive to protect your personal time and say no to non-essential commitments.
Building micro-moments of self-care into your day can make all the difference. These might include taking a short walk, carving out uninterrupted time for reflection, or starting meetings by asking two or three people to share a positive student/staff story that reminds us why we do this work. Not only do these habits benefit you, but they also create a ripple effect that positively influences your staff.
Gratitude is another powerful tool for reducing stress and improving your mindset. Consider making it a daily practice to reflect on what you’re thankful for, whether it’s a successful project, a supportive colleague, or simply a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. Sharing this gratitude with your team can enhance connections and foster a culture of appreciation. Also, consider nominating a colleague for an MASA Award. Recognizing the work others do to lift all of us is also reinforcing to our own leadership work!
Visiting students in your buildings or programs is a great way to reconnect with the work and the why. Make time to get out of your office responsibilities and walk through the energy of students and staff; it’s a great way to be both visible and refilled.
Importantly, lead by example when it comes to self-care. Let your team see you taking breaks to be with family, leave the office at a reasonable hour, or hear you share your strategies for maintaining balance. Modeling this behavior not only normalizes self-care but also empowers your staff to prioritize their well-being.
And finally, focus on what really matters. As the holiday season ramps up, resist the urge to strive for perfection in everything you do. The real purpose of this time is connection, kindness, and rest. Keep your focus on fostering meaningful relationships and creating space for reflection, both for yourself and your team.
When winter break arrives, allow yourself to recharge. Disconnect from work emails, engage in activities that bring you joy, and spend time with loved ones. Use the time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and challenges, and set realistic, compassionate goals for the new year.
As a school leader, your ability to support your staff during the holidays depends on your own well-being. By practicing intentional self-care, setting boundaries, and prioritizing what truly matters, you can lead with compassion and resilience through this season and into the new year. Remember, the most impactful gift you can give your team is a leader who is present, grounded, and energized for the work ahead.
When you’re back in the office in January, consider attending our Professional Dialogue sessions with Michael Thomas. They are a great bucket-filler and remind you that you are not in the leadership work alone. Consider also attending our AI Webinar Series with William Grube. There are ways to lighten your workload and still get the work done! Take time to learn about them!
