As April arrives and the Spring term winds down, many of you will be stepping away from the relentless rhythm of school life. With Stress Awareness Month upon us, and the promise of Spring break just around the corner, this feels like the perfect moment to pause and ask:
What does it really mean to rest?
For many a school leader, rest is often reduced to snatched hours of sleep or the brief lull between emails and meetings. But true rest—the kind that nourishes the soul and replenishes the spirit—requires something more. It requires permission:
– Permission to slow down.
– Permission to breathe deeply.
– Permission to just be.
Spring reminds us that rest and renewal are written into the rhythms of life. The trees don’t rush their blooming. The daffodils don’t apologise for taking their time to emerge. Nature knows what we often forget: that growth requires rest.
The Messy Beauty of New Beginnings
In his beautiful reflection on the seasons of the soul, one of my favourite authors, Parker J. Palmer writes:
“Spring is a demanding season… a time when dormant things awaken, and everything gets messy. But it’s a necessary mess—the only way to make room for the new life longing to emerge.”
This quote helps me remember that life isn’t always perfect. Things don’t always go to plan. As nature changes, and as we move through the seasons of our own lives, the confusion that sometimes accompanies change is not a failure—it’s part of the process. It’s a necessary part of any true transformation.
And often, it’s during those times when we are called to rest and simply be with what is, that we come into deeper connection with ourselves—and with the unfolding story of our lives.
Rest is Not a Luxury
After all you’ve given—your time, your energy, your care—this break is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. It’s your chance to allow the ‘necessary mess’ of exhaustion, emotion, and even joy to rise to the surface… and to gently tend to it.
To quote Parker J. Palmer again. He so wisely reminds us:
“Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves but for the many others whose lives we touch.”
This is especially true for school leaders. When you tend to your inner life, you don’t just restore yourself—you strengthen your capacity to serve, to lead, and to inspire.
So as you look ahead to having time to yourself, you may find it useful to reflect on the questions below and the ‘Three Invitations’ that follow;
Questions for Reflection
- What does your “true self” need from you this Spring?
- How might you honour that need—not just for your own wellbeing, but for all those whose lives you impact?*
Three Invitations for Spring
- Rest
Let your body and mind exhale. Sleep. Walk. Nap. Do nothing and know it matters. You are not lazy; you are honouring your humanity. - Relax
Put down what’s heavy. Step away from the to-do list. Engage with what brings you ease—whether that’s reading, gardening, laughing with loved ones, or simply sitting in stillness. - Refocus
Allow the quiet to bring clarity. Ask yourself: *What do I need in this next season—not just as a leader, but as a person?* Let Spring stir hope within you. Let it remind you that new possibilities are always on the horizon.
Come Back to Yourself
Remember … You don’t have to return to school ready to do more. You simply have to return more connected to yourself.
Because when you lead from a place of wholeness—when you honour your inner life as much as your outer responsibilities—you don’t just cope better, you lead better.
So as the days lengthen and blossoms bloom, may you find a pace that feels kind. May you welcome the gentle unfolding of a new season. And above all, may you remember: You deserve to rest.
At Integrity Coaching we support School Leaders through Depth Coaching. To find out more how this can benefit you personally and professionally as well as your wider school community, please click here to email: Hannah@Integritycoaching.co.uk. Hannah is our Head of Client Relations and will discuss how we can support you with your inner leadership.
