Are you dreaming of a three-week beach vacation or a leisurely long weekend? As school leaders, we excel at being constantly available for everyone. But what happens when we crave a few days to sign off? Do you ever feel like you ‘can’t’?

I certainly do. Yes, I’ve been guilty of:

• Setting my out-of-office notifications and then promptly answering emails.
• Bringing work along with me on vacations.
• Packing “workbook, articles, reports” to tackle during downtime.
• Even attending virtual meetings on days off.

This culture of perpetual availability often yields more negatives than positives. It perpetuates what Cal Newport terms “Pseudo-Productivity: The use of visible activity as the primary means of approximating actual productive effort” (p. 22).

Learning to log off is vital. It requires an intentional framework and 30 minutes the week before to prepare my mind for a pause.

Here’s how I prepare to pause:

Step One: Brain Dump

There’s something liberating about a thorough brain dump. Take time to unload everything from your mind onto paper. This process offers clarity, perspective, and a chance to clear mental space for true relaxation.

Set a timer for 5 minutes and jot down all impending tasks: reports, newsletters, evaluations, personal commitments, etc. If you fear forgetting something, consult your planner or calendar for reassurance.

Step Two: Sort Tasks into Action Items

Now, organize your tasks into actionable categories:

• Must Do Before Break: Schedule time for these tasks using techniques like the Pomodoro method. Complete tasks lingering in your inbox or folders, ensuring agendas for your return are set.
• Can Do After Break: Prioritize tasks that can wait. Assign them deadlines—whether days, weeks, or months away—to maintain control over your workload.
• Delegate: Recognize the power in delegating. Empower your team to take ownership, fostering a collaborative environment. Need a task done? Trust capable colleagues to handle it efficiently.
• Delete: Learn to say no. Assess commitments and projects, discarding those unfit for the current season or not aligned with priorities. Clearing clutter liberates space for meaningful work.

With this framework, I hope you have permission to log off and staff off. Ironically, I’ll utilize it tonight as Kenny and I prepare for a work-free weekend in Arizona.

Keep leading well and living a life,

Jessica

Want a little homework? Here is the framework in a worksheet format.