The end of the school year is finally here. For many school leaders and teachers, this time brings a mix of relief and exhaustion. The Christmas break offers a chance to pause, recharge, and reflect—but how can you use this time intentionally to improve your well-being, not just for the holiday season but for the year ahead?

One school leader I had coffee with earlier this year shared how they were struggling to balance their responsibilities and well-being. Overwhelmed and stretched thin, they decided to start small: taking five-minute breaks to reset, practicing mindfulness before meetings, and intentionally reconnecting with their team. These small shifts didn’t just help their personal well-being—they transformed their leadership and set a powerful example for their staff.

The lesson? Small, intentional actions today can lead to big differences tomorrow. This holiday season, I encourage you to try these five research-backed strategies to nurture your well-being. They’re simple, practical, and designed for busy educators like you.

1. Small Changes, Big Difference

Educators often feel like they have to make sweeping changes to see results. The truth is, small, consistent actions are far more sustainable and impactful.

Why it works: Micro-habits build momentum. A small positive change—like starting the day with a moment of gratitude or taking a short walk—creates a ripple effect, improving mood, focus, and energy.

Take action now: Before bed tonight, write down one thing that went well today. Did a student’s thank-you make you smile? Did you handle a challenging situation with calm and clarity? Reflecting on these moments reinforces positivity.

Real-life example: The school leader I had coffee with set an alarm for three “mini-breaks” a day. During those moments, they stepped outside, stretched, or breathed deeply. Over time, they noticed not just less stress but more clarity and better decision-making.

Consistency is the secret. Start with one small habit and commit to it for a week—you’ll be surprised at the results.

2. Social Connections Matter

Education can be isolating, especially when you’re constantly focused on supporting others. The research is clear: strong social connections aren’t just “nice to have”; they’re essential for emotional resilience and longevity.

Why it works: Relationships buffer us against stress. They provide a safe space to share frustrations, seek advice, and find joy.

Take action now: Use the Christmas break to reconnect. Reach out to someone who uplifts you—a mentor, colleague, or old friend. Even a short coffee catch-up can leave you feeling recharged.

Pro tip: Revisit an old hobby or shared activity that brings joy. Whether it’s joining a social sports team, baking with your family, or simply laughing over a board game, these moments strengthen bonds and boost your energy.

It’s about quality, not quantity. Focus on the people and activities that truly energize you.

3. Mindfulness: Find Calm in the Chaos

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the relentless pace of school life, mindfulness offers a way to slow down and reconnect with the present moment.

Why it works: Studies show that just 10 minutes of mindfulness a day can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase focus. Mindfulness helps educators process challenges more calmly and respond with clarity.

Take action now: Try this one-minute breathing exercise: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for six. Notice how your body feels with each breath.

Real-life example: A teacher I worked with used mindfulness before parent meetings. By pausing to breathe and center themselves, they showed up more calm, present, and prepared to handle difficult conversations.

Mindfulness isn’t about perfection or finding hours of quiet—it’s about creating small pockets of calm that ground you in the moment.

4. Move Your Body, Boost Your Mood

Exercise isn’t just about physical health; it’s one of the most effective ways to improve mental and emotional well-being.

Why it works: Movement releases endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. It’s also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Take action now: Don’t have time for a full workout? That’s okay. Start with just 15 minutes a day. Go for a brisk walk, do some yoga, or even dance to your favorite song.

Pro tip: Pair movement with reflection. Walking in nature or jogging can help you process thoughts and spark creative solutions. Research shows that physical activity boosts creativity and problem-solving by up to 60%.

The key is finding what you enjoy. Consistent movement—even in small doses—can transform your energy and outlook.

5. Self-Care: Permission to Prioritize Yourself

As educators, you’re conditioned to put others first—students, staff, parents. But prioritizing your well-being is not selfish; it’s essential.

Why it works: Self-care sends a powerful message to yourself and others: you matter. It also sets the tone for your team or classroom, modeling healthy habits.

Take action now: This holiday, focus on the basics:

Get enough sleep.

Stay hydrated.

Nourish your body with healthy meals.

Pro tip: Set boundaries for rest. Say no to unnecessary commitments and protect time for what recharges you—whether it’s reading a book, enjoying a hobby, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea. The school leader that I spoke with loves crafting. 

Self-care isn’t glamorous—it’s often the small choices that make the biggest difference.

Well-being doesn’t require a dramatic life overhaul. It starts with small, intentional actions—and there’s no better time than the Christmas break to begin.

Here’s your challenge: Pick one action from this list and try it for the next seven days. Keep track of how it impacts your mood, energy, and perspective. For example:

Did practicing gratitude help you see your day more positively?

Did reconnecting with a friend leave you feeling energized?

Did mindful breathing help you show up with more calm and clarity?

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of well-being. Small steps taken today can lead to big transformations tomorrow—for you, your students, and your school. Let’s make 2025 the year we approach challenges with more clarity, joy, and resilience.What’s one step you’ll try this week? Let me know. And………look out for our new PODCAST coming in January. It is a game changer. More details to follow.