- Daphne Wallbridge
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read

We often compartmentalize health and leadership, but the truth is—they’re inseparable. You cannot lead effectively when you’re sleep-deprived, dehydrated, or running on fast food and fumes. And no, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency in small things that compound.
As school leaders, you’re pulled in 10 directions before 10 a.m. But when you start your day with intention—before the demands kick in—you reclaim your power.
Let’s talk morning routine:
It’s not about waking up at 4:00 a.m. (although I do!), it’s about carving out time before the world starts calling your name. Even 10 minutes is enough.
Here’s a simple practice you can start tomorrow:
Move your body (walk, stretch, or lift)
Reflect (journal three priorities or gratitudes)
Learn (a short podcast or audiobook)
Done consistently, these micro-habits will shift how you show up—for your team, your students, and your family.
And it doesn’t stop there. The way you fuel your body matters too. I meal prep once a week and keep it simple: soups, roasted veggies, lean proteins, and hydration-friendly habits (like a straw-top water bottle—game changer!). This ritual grounds me and keeps decision fatigue at bay.
The bottom line? You can’t pour from an empty cup. Your energy, your clarity, your impact—they’re all connected to your health. And if that sounds selfish? Flip the script: it’s actually the most selfless leadership move you can make.
This is how I learned that leading well starts with leading yourself well.
If this resonates, then make sure to grab your copy of my latest book, Beyond The First-Year Principal, where I walk you through the exact strategies I use to stay energized and clear-headed, even in the most demanding seasons of leadership.
And if you're looking to go deeper and engage with other like-minded leaders, then join The Principal's Collective and access live support and a growing library of on-demand workshops.