There’s always a moment right before a break when the building feels different.
Not quiet exactly—just lighter.

The pace slows.
The noise shifts.
You realize you’re breathing a little deeper without trying.

That’s usually when the tiredness shows up. Not just physical tired, but decision tired. The kind where your brain starts replaying the semester and quietly suggesting you should “use this time well” so January feels easier.

We want to gently push back on that.

This break isn’t meant to be productive. It’s meant to be lived.
It’s for sleeping a little later, laughing more than usual, being present with the people you love, and doing things that have nothing to do with school.

School will still be there.
The emails can wait.
January will come either way.

But this time—the fun, the family moments, the quiet—that part doesn’t come back once it’s gone.

The Leadership Shift

Principals don’t struggle with effort. You already work hard. You already care.

What’s harder is stopping—especially when stopping feels irresponsible. Like you should be planning, organizing, or getting ahead.

But leadership isn’t built only in motion. Some of the clearest thinking you’ll do all year happens when your brain finally has space to slow down.

Rest isn’t quitting.
It isn’t disengaging.
And it isn’t lowering expectations.

It’s how you come back steadier, more patient, and less reactive.
And even if no one says it out loud, your staff notices how you handle this moment.

Instead of using this break to do more, use it to close a few mental loops.

Not emails. Not plans. Just the thoughts.

At some point during the break, ask yourself:

You don’t need answers.
Just noticing is enough.

Sometimes leadership looks like deciding what you’re not carrying forward.

If someone reaches out over break and you need to protect your space:

“I’ll follow up when we’re back. I want to give this the attention it deserves.”

That’s it!

A Break Tradition Worth Keeping

During break, meals tend to feel easier. More casual. Less rushed. And then suddenly January hits and it’s back to “what are we eating?” at 6:30am.

Try this during break:

The “Make One Thing Future-You Will Thank You For” Meal

Pick one food item to prep or stock that makes regular days easier:

Not a full meal plan.
Not a Sunday overhaul.

Just one thing that makes the first weeks back feel less chaotic.

Future-you will feel this one.

If you didn’t know, we also have The Principal Exchange Podcast. If you find yourself on a walk, alone in the car, or folding laundry during break, it’s a good listen!

Did you know we’re hosting a virtual winter conference built just for principals? It’s designed the same way we approach everything at TPE — practical ideas, real conversations, and the perfect way to build momentum for the second half of the year.

This newsletter is, and always will be, free. But to help support our mission we would love for you to share with your school leader friends! As a thank you, we have a referral program for you to earn rewards as you share!

We are doing a big giveaway from now until January 31st. For each referral, you are going to get an entry into our $100 Amazon gift card giveaway!

Just make sure to use your referral link below to get your entries!

Psst… referrals must confirm their email to count!

You don’t need to come back with everything figured out.

You just need to be clear enough to decide what matters—and confident enough to stay there when things get loud again.

That’s how strong second semesters actually start!

— Sarah & Andra