May Fog.
It’s not a formal diagnosis, but every educator I know knows it when it hits.

It’s that moment in the school year—usually around the second or third week of May—when everything feels heavier. Emails blur together. The to-do list is longer than the school supply order. You’re not sure if it’s Tuesday or already Friday. You walk into rooms and forget why. You reply to the same parent twice. Honestly, I don’t think I got my calendar math right any day this week!

You’ve hit the wall… but the school year isn’t over yet.

This is May Fog—a version of burnout that builds after 150+ days of showing up, giving grace, planning lessons, solving problems, and holding space for everyone else.

May Fog looks like for educators:

• Emotional whiplash between celebrations and discipline
• Constant interruptions and decision fatigue
• Guilt over what’s not done and no energy to fix it
• A calendar full of events and a brain too tired to enjoy them

Is It Burnout? Not Exactly.

May Fog isn’t full-on burnout—but it flirts with it. It’s a unique mix of exhaustion, emotional overload, and end-of-year stress that shows up in the final stretch of the school year.

But here’s the truth: you’re not alone—and you’re not failing.

You’re leading through the fog. And that’s hard work.

Here’s what helps:

1. Recognize the Fog.
Name it. Talk about it. Let yourself feel it without shame.

2. Reduce the Noise.
Cut the unnecessary. Say no to one more event. Trust that your “B+ effort” in May is enough.

3. Refocus on What Matters.
One student. One moment. One breath. Come back to your why, even if it’s foggy right now.

You don’t have to finish the year strong—you just have to finish it whole.
And you are so close.

Let’s keep walking through the fog, together.

Here if you need me,

Jessica

Need a few more tools to finish strong?
Try the free Five Day Principal Challenge
Grab your copy of Principal in Balance — now on sale on Amazon

This week you can find me on a new Easy EdTech Podcast episode! I talked with Monica Burns (@classtechtips) about Digital Communication Best Practices Every Educator Should Know. Here’s the link: https://classtechtips.com/2025/05/13/digital-communication-best-practices-319/

2Principal Podcast In this episode, Jason and Kevin are joined by Jessica Cabeen, a dynamic principal, author, and speaker. Jessica discusses the importance of balancing professional leadership with personal well-being. She shares her journey through various educational roles, offers practical tips for disconnecting from work, and emphasizes the need for self-care through routines like morning rituals and setting boundaries. The conversation inspires educators to lead authentically while prioritizing mental and physical health. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2p127-elevating-leadership-and-balance-with/id1669932922?i=1000708410494