The holiday season, often filled with joy, family, and relaxation, can be anything but restful for school leaders. Emails, strategic plans, and unfinished administrative tasks loom large, tempting even the most disciplined among us to keep working. But here’s a provocative question: What if working during the Christmas break does more harm than good?
Smart school leaders are increasingly recognising the hidden costs of sacrificing their well-earned breaks. While the desire to stay ahead may seem admirable, it often leads to burnout, reduced creativity, and diminished effectiveness. The inability to truly disconnect impacts not only the individual but the entire school community. This holiday season, let’s challenge the idea that working through Christmas is a badge of honour and explore why prioritising rest is an essential act of leadership.
The Costs of Overworking During Holidays
The Endless To-Do List
School leaders often find themselves trapped in a cycle of perpetual work, with the holiday break appearing as a chance to “catch up.” Yet the reality is that tasks never truly end—they only accumulate. This relentless treadmill can erode energy and enthusiasm, leaving leaders depleted before the new term even begins.
A Misplaced Sense of Dedication
Equating constant work with commitment is a common misconception. Sacrificing personal time to prove dedication not only risks burnout but also diminishes overall effectiveness. True leadership isn’t measured by how much you work—it’s defined by the quality of your impact.
The Challenge of Disconnecting
In today’s hyperconnected world, technology makes it almost impossible to unplug. Notifications from emails, messages, and platforms blur the boundaries between work and personal life, making genuine rest elusive. Without intentional disconnection, stress becomes a constant companion.
The Fear of Falling Behind
The anxiety of returning to a backlog often drives school leaders to work through their breaks. Ironically, this approach is counterproductive. Research shows that prolonged overwork hampers productivity, creativity, and decision-making—key attributes of effective leadership.
How to Take a True Holiday Break
Set Clear Boundaries
Effective school leaders communicate their intention to rest with staff, students, and parents, establishing firm boundaries for the holiday period. Use tools like out-of-office email responses to manage expectations and protect your time.
Plan and Delegate
Preparation is key. Before the break, prioritise and delegate tasks to trusted team members. Empower your staff to handle routine matters, demonstrating trust and fostering a culture of shared responsibility.
Turn Off Work Notifications
Resist the urge to check emails or messages during the break. Turning off notifications—or even temporarily uninstalling work-related apps—can help create the mental space needed for genuine rest.
Engage in Restorative Activities
Use the holiday to reconnect with family, pursue hobbies, or engage in activities that inspire you. Whether it’s a long walk, reading a good book, or simply relaxing at home, these moments of joy and reflection are investments in your well-being.
Why Rested Leaders Lead Better
Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for effective leadership. When school leaders prioritise their well-being, the benefits ripple throughout their schools. Rested leaders are:
- More patient and empathetic, fostering stronger relationships with staff and students.
- Better equipped to tackle challenges with creativity and resilience.
- Able to model healthy work habits, promoting a balanced culture within the school community.
By taking time to reflect and recharge, leaders return to their roles with renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and enhanced decision-making abilities.
A Call to Action for School Leaders
As the holiday season unfolds, resist the urge to view your time off as an opportunity to “catch up.” Instead, embrace it as a time to restore your energy, refocus your vision, and prioritise what truly matters.
Remember: leadership isn’t about how hard you work—it’s about how well you lead. This Christmas, give yourself the gift of rest. It’s not just a gift for you but for your entire school community, ensuring you return ready to inspire, guide, and lead with purpose.
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