Live Danishly These Holidays
I love a good read. Losing that ability in 2023 was incredibly frustrating, but getting it back has been a reminder of how important small joys can be. Shortly, I’ll share some of my favourite books of the year here. One of mine, which I highly recommend for the break, is Helen Russell’s The Year of Living Danishly.
In a world increasingly defined by hustle culture, digital overwhelm, and persistent anxiety, it emerges as a refreshing reminder that a better way is possible. It’s not just a travel memoir—it’s a guidebook for slowing down, finding balance, and reconnecting with what really matters. For school leaders—and really anyone juggling endless demands—this book offers practical, thoughtful lessons to make life a little calmer, more balanced, and ultimately more fulfilling.
While this is written with school leaders in mind, these ideas are valuable for anyone feeling stretched or overwhelmed. Whether you’re managing a team, a classroom, or just life itself, there’s something here for everyone. The following ideas, inspired by The Year of Living Danishly, offer practical ways for school leaders to reduce stress, find balance, and feel more in control. These aren’t lofty ideals—they’re small, doable steps you can start taking right now.
1. Embrace the Power of Hygge
Recommendation: Create spaces that feel warm, calm, and inviting—for yourself and your team. Think cozy chairs, plants, soft lighting, or even just a corner with some peace and quiet. Leadership retreats or regular catch-ups with colleagues can also bring this sense of hygge into your work life.
Why It Works: The constant pressure to be “on” can leave you feeling drained and isolated. Adding small moments of comfort and connection helps you recharge and reconnect with others.
Try This: Start with your staffroom. Add a few plants, declutter a corner, or set up a quiet space for short breaks—even a small shelf with a kettle and some tea can create a moment of comfort. A small change can make a big difference.
2. Work to Live, Don’t Live to Work
Recommendation: Be intentional about setting boundaries. Whether it’s limiting after-hours emails, taking regular breaks, or finding ways to delegate, the goal is to work smarter—not longer.
Why It Works: You’re more effective when you’re well-rested and not constantly running on empty. Overwork is one of the biggest contributors to burnout, so it’s important to protect your energy.
Try This: Block out one hour a day for focused work—no interruptions. Delegate small tasks to trusted team members and take one afternoon this term to leave early and do something for yourself.
3. Share the Load
Recommendation: Involve your team, students, and even parents in decision-making. Sharing leadership doesn’t mean giving up control—it means building trust and working together.
Why It Works: Carrying everything on your own shoulders is exhausting. Empowering others to step up not only eases your workload but also builds a stronger, more connected school community.
Try This: Set up a small advisory group with key staff and students. Focus on one issue—like improving communication—and work on solving it together.
4. Let “Good Enough” Be Good Enough
Recommendation: Stop striving for perfection in everything. Focus on doing what matters most, and let the rest be good enough. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
Why It Works: Perfectionism is exhausting and unsustainable. Accepting that not everything has to be perfect gives you the freedom to focus on what truly matters.
Try This: Pick three priorities for the term and communicate them to your team. Let them know that steady progress is the goal—not perfection.
5. Get Outside and Simplify
Recommendation: Make time for fresh air and simplicity. Whether it’s a walk during lunch, a short outdoor meeting, or finding moments of quiet, reconnecting with nature helps clear your mind and lift your mood.
Why It Works: Stepping away from screens and schedules for even 10 minutes can help you reset and gain perspective. Simplicity also helps cut through the noise of endless tasks.
Try This: Take a 10-minute walk outside every day—no phone, no work talk. Encourage your team to do the same.
Looking ahead to NES 2025, I’m excited to discuss leadership and well-being further. Join me in Brisbane and Melbourne—where we’ll explore practical strategies to transform schools and ensure sustainable, thriving workplaces for educators. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation.
Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Difference
To recap, here are the key ideas for finding balance and reducing stress:
Embrace the Power of Hygge: Create warm, calm spaces that help you recharge and reconnect.
Work to Live, Don’t Live to Work: Set boundaries to protect your energy and focus on what truly matters.
Share the Load: Involve your team and empower others to step up.
Let “Good Enough” Be Good Enough: Focus on progress, not perfection.
Get Outside and Simplify: Step away from the noise and reconnect with nature.
What’s one small change you can try this week? Have a holiday. Get out of school. No visits. No dropping in to pick stuff up. Have a break! It’s hard, I know—but just do it. Step away completely, even if only for a few days, and see how it feels to truly switch off. You’ve earned it.
Look out for my our new podcast in the New Year. A reminder I am on a break for the next few weeks. You should be too. No badges for working over Christmas folks.