As a coach and leader, I know how easy it is to overextend ourselves, especially during the holidays. Here’s a reflection on how I managed my end-of-year break.
So, there I was: officially on leave but fully checked into the “work” of being part of a family. Let’s face it, the holiday season can be exhausting, particularly for women. From cooking and entertaining to managing kids & relatives, the mental load can feel overwhelming.
But this time, I did a few things differently that saved me from completely losing it:
1. Delegate & Stick to Your Lane 🌿
My siblings and I agreed on clear roles, and we all worked hard to deliver. A personal win for me? Staying in my lane & resisting the urge to meddle (I admit, I can be a meddler!). This preserved my energy for what was mine to handle.
2. Say No (or Not Now) 🌿
As someone raised to be a “people pleaser,” saying no doesn’t come easily. But during the holidays, I prioritized myself over guilt. “Yes, I haven’t seen you in ages, but I’m going to bed.” Those moments of saying no allowed me to recharge and show up better for the people I love.
3. Step Into the Background 🌿
I’m often front & center in planning & execution. This time, I allowed myself to fade into the background where possible. I didn’t have to be the first person to arrive or the last to leave. Moving at my own pace gave me much-needed breathing room.
4. Extend the Trip 🌿
We’d booked our flights months in advance, but I decided to extend my trip to handle a pending issue & spend more time with loved ones. Those few extra days enriched my relationships & gave me time to recharge.
5. Ask for Help 🌿
After three weeks of family events, I was physically, mentally, socially, & emotionally drained. When I got back, I told my team I needed more time to recover. They graciously stepped in, & I gifted myself an extra week to rest my mind.
Leadership and Burnout
Leadership, in any form, makes us highly susceptible to burnout—whether it’s at work, as a parent, or within your community. While avoiding burnout altogether may be impossible, we can become more attuned to the warning signs. Part 2 coming soon!
