Embracing the Holiday Break

For many in leadership roles, the pressure to "keep the wheels turning" doesn’t magically disappear when carols start playing or decorations fill our homes. Yet, as the year winds down, so too should we. Taking a meaningful break over Christmas isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for us and the teams we lead.

Why We Struggle to Stop

As leaders, we often carry a deep sense of responsibility. We feel accountable for our teams’ success, the progress of our organizations, and the outcomes of every project. This drive can create an unhealthy paradox: the harder we push ourselves, the less effective we become.

Research consistently shows that chronic stress impairs our ability to think clearly, regulate emotions, and make sound decisions. These aren’t just personal challenges—they directly impact those who rely on our guidance. When we fail to take a break, we risk not only our well-being but also the long-term health of our teams and organizations.

The Cost of Not Taking a Break

When we refuse to pause, the consequences are far-reaching:

• Diminished Decision-Making: Exhaustion clouds our judgment. Instead of leading with clarity, we make reactive or suboptimal choices that can derail progress.
• Lowered Morale: Our teams take cues from us. If we’re perpetually burnt out, they may feel pressured to mirror our behavior, leading to widespread stress and disengagement.
• Loss of Creativity: Innovation thrives when the mind has space to wander. Constant busyness stifles this process, leaving us stuck in outdated patterns of thinking.
• Increased Turnover: A culture of overwork fosters resentment. If we don’t model balance, our most talented team members may seek workplaces that prioritize well-being.
• Health Risks: Prolonged stress takes a toll on our physical and mental health. Ignoring the need for rest can lead to burnout, illness, or worse—forcing us to take unplanned breaks under far less ideal circumstances.

Taking the time to rest is not just about avoiding these risks—it’s about ensuring we remain the leaders our teams deserve.

The Power of Rest: Leading by Example

When we prioritize rest, we send a powerful message. Modeling healthy boundaries and showing that time away is valuable demonstrates that rest isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. When we remain tethered to our devices over the holidays, we reinforce a culture of overwork. On the other hand, stepping back and genuinely disconnecting shows that we value well-being, not just productivity.

Taking time off is not an act of abandonment. It’s an investment in ourselves and our teams. When we return rested and recharged, we bring sharper focus, renewed creativity, and the energy needed to navigate challenges in the year ahead. The positive impact ripples outward, improving team morale and productivity.

Reflection: A Gift of the Season

One of the most valuable aspects of the holiday break is the opportunity for reflection. In the busyness of day-to-day operations, it’s easy for us to lose sight of the bigger picture. The quieter moments of the holidays offer a chance to step back and ask important questions:

• What went well this year?
• What challenges did we face, and what can we learn from them?
• What’s our vision for the future?

Reflection isn’t just a personal exercise—it’s a critical leadership practice. By taking time to process our experiences, we equip ourselves to lead with clarity and purpose in the year ahead.

Reconnecting with What Truly Matters

Leadership can sometimes feel isolating. The holiday season reminds us of the human side of what we do. Spending time with family, friends, and loved ones reconnects us with the “why” behind our hard work. These moments of connection foster empathy, a vital quality for any leader, and help us approach our roles with fresh perspective and renewed commitment.

Making the Most of Our Break

To fully embrace the benefits of a holiday break, we need to be intentional. Here are some strategies we can use to disconnect and recharge:

1. Delegate and Prepare: If we can’t close the whole company for the holidays, let’s ensure responsibilities are clear and our teams feel confident handling any pressing issues. Empowering others to take ownership strengthens their skills and ensures things run smoothly in our absence.
2. Set Boundaries: Turn off email notifications and communicate clearly about when we’ll be unavailable. It’s okay to create space for ourselves.
3. Engage in Joyful Activities: Let’s make time for hobbies, traditions, and fun activities that allow our minds to truly relax. Whether it’s cooking, reading, or spending time outdoors, these moments of joy are restorative.
4. Reflect and Dream: We can use some of our downtime to jot down thoughts about the past year—our wins, challenges, and aspirations. This is also a great time to set intentions for the year ahead.

Rest Is a Strategic Advantage

The best gift we can give our teams this Christmas is the opportunity to become a rested, reenergized version of ourselves. When we embrace the holiday season as a time to pause and recharge, we set ourselves up to lead with clarity, vision, and resilience in the new year.

Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. To navigate the road ahead, we must take time to rest, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters. Let’s give ourselves permission to stop, reflect, and celebrate—not just for our benefit, but for the people and organizations we serve.