Recharging the Right Way: A Holiday Break Blueprint for Educators and Leaders
- Anthony Bronaugh
- Nov 4, 2025
- 3 min read
By Anthony Bronaugh Sr., M.Ed., BCBA | AB Education & Behavior Consulting LLC
As we wind down the final months of the year and enter the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, I encourage every educator, administrator, parent, and provider to do something that’s often overlooked—but essential: recharge.
Think of yourself as a smart device. Even the most powerful phones and laptops can’t function when their batteries are drained. No matter how many apps you run or how many windows you open, when your energy is gone, you're out of commission. The holidays offer a unique opportunity to plug back in, reconnect, and refocus in ways that fuel our future selves.
Where Your Focus Goes, Your Energy Flows
Energy isn’t just a matter of sleep or rest—it’s deeply tied to your attention (span?). Are you focusing on unresolved conflicts, unfinished to-do lists, or comparisons on social media? Or are you zeroing in on gratitude, connection, and growth?
If you consistently direct your energy toward tension, your emotional battery will remain low. But if you shift your focus—even briefly—toward what grounds you, your energy begins to replenish. That's the magic of the holidays: they offer a chance to intentionally direct your focus toward what matters most.
Connection and Proximity: The Real Recharge
Much like Wi-Fi signals or Bluetooth devices, proximity to healthy people, spaces, and routines matters. You recharge faster when you're near what uplifts and inspires.
This break, lean into relationships that energize you. Whether it’s laughing with family, catching up with a mentor, or reading something that resonates deeply—these close connections serve as your emotional power source.
And don’t underestimate your proximity to purpose. Even if you’re resting, reflect on your purpose. That internal alignment can be just as restorative as a nap or vacation. Think about this while you are traveling, whether it’s at a rest stop or airport. Where do you see people congregating? Near the outlets! Energy brings people together, but it can also repel if it’s negative energy that drains and doesn’t replenish!
Bringing Things Together: Realignment and Renewal
The holidays are also a time for bringing together combining loose ends—personally and professionally. Like a coach reviewing game film during a bye week, this is your moment to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and how you want to adjust your strategy going forward.
What personal goals have you sidelined? What student or client breakthroughs did you overlook in the grind? What conversations need closure before the new year begins?
Realignment is not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters more effectively. While doing what matters, remember that everything that you say and do is important. Individuals watch what you do more than what you say, so make sure what you say and do are in alignment!
Practical Steps to Recharge Over the Holidays
Here are a few strategies from AB Education & Behavior Consulting to help you make the most of your time off:
1. Set an “Off Grid” Time
Designate specific hours or days with no emails, calls, or work tasks. Even a short “digital detox” can reset your nervous system.
2. Reconnect with Your Roots
Spend time with people who knew you before your titles. An authentic connection with family and lifelong friends can center your identity.
3. Reflect with Purpose
Use a journal to ask: What am I proud of this year? What drained me? What fulfilled me? Let your answers guide your next season.
4. Move Your Body
Whether it’s a walk with a loved one or light stretching in the living room, movement helps restore your mind-body connection.
5. Laugh Intentionally
Watch a funny movie, play games with your kids, or relive funny stories. Laughter releases tension and resets the brain.
6. Refocus for January
Spend one afternoon imagining your ideal January. What routines do you want to keep or toss? What kind of energy do you want to carry into the new year?
Closing Thought: Energy Is Contagious—Protect Yours
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and former school administrator, I’ve seen what happens when people run on empty. Burnout becomes the default. Patience wears thin. Joy gets replaced by obligation. But I’ve also seen what happens when people take the time to recharge.
They return stronger. Clearer. More compassionate. They show up as Instructional Warriors, ready to lead, teach, parent, and serve at their best.
So this holiday season, remember: you can’t give what you don’t have. Recharge with intention, reconnect with purpose, and refocus your energy toward the meaningful work ahead.
Your future self—and the people you serve—will thank you.
🛡️ Anthony Bronaugh Sr., M.Ed., BCBA is the founder of AB Education & Behavior Consulting LLC, where he supports educators, schools, and organizations through behavioral consultation, coaching, and training rooted in applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Comments