You can’t be self-regulated unless you are grounded in resiliency.

Principal in Balance

The Balance Playlist

Is everything on fire in your building?

No matter how much planning and preparation go into the start of the school year, something inevitably goes wrong. One year, I messed up the bell schedule at our middle school (check out this Edutopia post), and the next year, I sent a portal push to 1,600 students and families—at the wrong building.

This year, we’re still hiring and trying to get the school year rolling while filling classrooms and other key positions. It’s August, and honestly, I am exhausted.

In “Principal in Balance,” we discuss the importance of resilience. To me, resilience means building the strength to navigate difficult situations. It’s about remaining calm when things are falling apart around you. By developing adaptive strategies, you can not just survive but thrive through challenging circumstances.

One relatively easy way to build your resilience reserves is through what I call the Balance Playlist (and you don’t have to be a principal to use it).

Ready for it? Eat, Sleep, Move, and Play—every single day.

Eat: Take a lunch break and actually eat it. Eating lunch is a way to recharge your body, ensure proper nutrition for long-term health, and take a moment for yourself during a busy day.

Sleep: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep at night. Proper rest helps you maintain resilience for those repeat requests to put phones away and handle all the day’s challenges with patience.

Move: Run, bike, walk—anything that gets you moving. Even just 10 minutes of physical activity a day can boost your mood and energy levels.

Play: Have fun. Don’t let your hobbies from summer fall by the wayside just because school is back in session. While you might not be able to spend hours on them, schedule time each week to engage in activities that ignite your passion and contribute to your overall well-being.

Below is a visual chart—print it out and brainstorm 3-5 activities for each category that bring you joy. Find ways to stay accountable by sharing this with your department or staff in a meeting and crowdsourcing ideas and accountability.

Closing Thought: Remember, balance isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about finding sustainable ways to manage the highs and lows of our profession. By integrating these elements into your daily routine, you’ll build the resilience needed to handle whatever challenges come your way. So, let’s commit to our Balance Playlist and support each other in making this school year a great one!