Hey fellow educators! Feeling like you're just chugging along on the last fumes of energy? Guess what? Winter break is here, and it's our perfect chance to hit the refresh button!

Does the idea of winter break fill you with relief—or the worry that you’ll still feel drained when it’s over? Let me help you with that. 

Let’s face it: being an educator is one of the most demanding jobs out there. The endless to-do lists, emotional labor, and pressure to give your all every single day can leave you running on fumes. Winter break isn’t just a pause button in the school year; it’s your chance to rest, recharge, and reset so you can return ready to tackle the new year.

I learned this the hard way. When I first became a principal, I thought staying connected over winter break was the responsible thing to do. I kept my phone close, answered emails, and planned ahead. By the time January rolled around, I was starting the new year on empty, already overwhelmed before the first bell rang.

But I’ve learned that winter break isn’t just about time off—it’s about intentional rest. Research from the RAND Corporation indicates that teachers are nearly twice as likely to experience frequent job-related stress compared to other working adults, underscoring the critical need for effective stress management strategies. Even more striking, a 2021 study from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) found that 42% of principals surveyed reported considering leaving the profession due to the immense stress of their role. This data underscores the urgent need for educators and school leaders to prioritize self-care.

Here’s your simple, actionable winter break game plan to help you truly recharge and return to school feeling ready and refreshed.

1. Create a “Recharge Ritual”

Every game plan needs a strategy, and a recharge ritual is your first play. This daily habit helps you slow down, reflect, and connect with what brings you peace. It’s not about doing something big or complicated—it’s about consistency.

👉 Try this: Start each morning of your break with a short ritual: three deep breaths, setting an intention for the day (“Today, I will embrace rest”), and a calming activity like journaling, sipping tea, or even just watching the sunrise.

Why it works: When you intentionally create space for rest, you shift your brain from “work mode” to “restoration mode.” Research shows that simple, mindful practices like deep breathing can reduce cortisol levels—the stress hormone—and improve your overall sense of well-being.

2. Set Clear “Off-Duty” Boundaries

Boundaries aren’t just helpful—they’re necessary. If you don’t protect your time, work will find a way to seep in. Winter break is your time to step back, and setting clear boundaries is the key to making it truly restful.

👉 Try this: Put up an out-of-office email reply to reduce the number of messages you receive and your temptation to check them. Something like, “I’m currently on winter break and will respond to emails when school resumes,” sets the tone and protects your time.

Why it works: Establishing these boundaries sends a message—not just to others but to yourself—that this time is sacred. Protect it fiercely. Plus, research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology highlights that unplugging from work is critical for reducing burnout and boosting resilience.

3. Prioritize Joyful Connection

For educators, life often revolves around meeting others’ needs. Winter break is your chance to reconnect with yourself, your passions, and the people who bring you joy. This is where you fill your cup.

👉 Try this: Make a “joy list” of simple activities that energize you. Think baking cookies, walking in nature, binge-watching a favorite show, or having a game night with friends or family. Commit to doing at least one joyful activity from your list each day.

Why it works: Joy isn’t just indulgent—it’s restorative. Neuroscience research has shown that engaging in activities that bring you pleasure activates reward centers in the brain, boosting mood and reducing stress. These moments of joy aren’t just for fun—they’re essential for your well-being.

Your Winter Break Game Plan: Rest, Recharge, Return Ready

This winter break, I challenge you to put yourself first. You spend the entire year giving to your students, your colleagues, and your school. This is your time to give to yourself. When you rest, you’re not just restoring your energy—you’re preparing yourself to return as the best version of yourself.

So, follow this game plan: create a recharge ritual, set clear off-duty boundaries, and prioritize joy. When January arrives, you’ll step back into the classroom not just rested but ready to take on the new year with energy, focus, and renewed purpose.

Happy holidays, and here’s to a restorative winter break!

More Resources

Want to dive deeper into this work? Check out my book, Unlocking SEL: The 5 Keys to Transform Schools Through Social Emotional Learning, a HOW-TO WITH HUMANITY book for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) implementation.