I recently made $500.00 revive and renew grant available for K12 principals. I know how important it is to make sure we take care of ourselves. One of the common themes we deal with as principals is the never ending work, be it meetings, corresponding through emails or simply staying late to get the day to day paperwork done that accumulates because we’re out in the halls, at lunch, and in the classrooms.

The reason why this grant is available is because it provides a couple of benefits. One of those is, I can help a colleague get the relaxation they deserve. Taking time off actually increases productivity. It gives your brain time to relax and make connections you can’t see when you’re continually grinding. According to Scientific American, a wandering mind unsticks us in time so that we can learn from the past and plan for the future. This is important for us as we finish up our school year and begin planning for the next.

The other benefit is part of the stipulation for applying for the grant is the agreement to be interviewed on my podcast. On the podcast I’ll get the opportunity to discuss that particular principals’ innovative leadership, their area of expertise or their area of passion and share it with the larger educational community. By leveraging this grant I get the opportunity to learn from the best in the business and spread the word about the great things other leaders are doing.

Taking a break is essential to being an effective school leader. Often times we feel guilty for taking that time even if we know logically that we should. Our gut and self-identity is tied up in what we do. Finding time to uncouple ourselves from our work can relieve stress, lower blood pressure and actually increase our productivity when we come back.

Killing yourself with the daily grind of work reduces your capacity to be an effective school leader. Give yourself a break. The work will be there when you get back.

How do you find time for yourself in a busy school year? Share your best tips in the comment section below.

If you’re interested in learning more about the $500.00 revive and renew grant for k12 principals click here.

For more short articles and tips that support educational leaders check out my other blogs at the http://www.theprincipalentrepreneur.com/ and/or pre order my newest book How To Be A Great Principal: 36 Shared Leadership Success Strategies. If you’re an auditory learner you can download my podcast The Principal Entrepreneur, new episodes weekly. Finally, I’m part of a community of supportive principals please join our private FB group.