Balancing Band Directing and the Holiday Season: How to Prioritize Self-Care and Family Time

The holiday season often brings a mix of excitement and stress for band directors. Between preparing concerts, managing rehearsals, and handling administrative tasks, it can feel like there is little time left for anything else. Yet, this time of year also offers a unique chance to slow down, recharge, and connect with loved ones. Taking care of yourself and enjoying family moments is essential not only for your well-being but also for your effectiveness as a band director. This post explores practical ways to balance your demanding role with the joy and rest the holidays can bring.

My Story - 10% to 10K

I have been told hundreds of times over the past five years that I need to tell my story. I have struggled with this because it isn't something I am proud of, but if it can help one person, then it will be worth it. As we finish the competitive marching band season and begin preparations for holiday concerts and time with family and friends, I thought this might be a good time to share my experience.

If you know me personally, you may know that I was diagnosed with heart failure in the summer of 2020. As the director of a very competitive band program and being a naturally competitive person, I had not prioritized my health for many years prior to 2020. I could easily blame this on the early morning rehearsals, after school (evening) rehearsals, administrative duties, fast food in the car on the way to and from school, and all of the other events of the year. Combine that with helping to raise two boys and finding time to be a husband, it became easy for me to justify my excuses for not taking care of myself. The reality is I wasn't disciplined with my own health. If I had put 10% of the energy into my health that I put into my job, I doubt I would have ever been diagnosed with heart failure.

When we confined to our homes during the COVID outbreak in the spring of 2020, it made me slow down. During that time I started to notice that I really wasn't feeling right. I was tired all the time, would get out of breath quickly, and I noticed my heart rate was elevated. Upon visiting the doctor, it was determined that I had a leaking Mitral valve and would need surgery to fix the leak.

A few days before my schedule surgery, I was having a very hard time breathing and wasn't able to sleep. The night before the surgery it was bad enough that we decided to go to the Emergency Room. This prompted several additional tests and then the diagnosis of heart failure.

The reality of this hit hard as we were initially told that there was nothing that could be done to fix my heart. My heart function was measured at 5-10% at that time and I wasn't eligible for a heart transplant due to my weight and they didn't think my heart would be able to handle surgery. We lived with this reality for about 24-hours until my cardiologist came in to discuss my diagnosis. He said that there were some aggressive drug therapies that we were going to try and that I would need to lose weight, which was very obvious.

Long story short, I began the drug therapy, went on a strict diet to lose weight, and stayed home for the next 6-months to minimize my exposure to COVID, which according to my cardiologist, would most likely kill me if contracted due to my heart condition. By December of 2020, I had lost 75 pounds and my heart function had improved to 25% which allowed me to return to school in a very limited role.

I have been very blessed to been given a second chance. Upon advice from my doctors, I retired from teaching in the spring of 2021. Soon after I was offered the job of Executive Secretary for UIL Region 7 and I began doing some limited clinics in the Fall of 2021. As my heart strengthened, I was able to become more active with clinics and mentoring and then in the Spring of 2023, I began supervising student teachers for the band program at Tarleton State University.

Currently, my heart function is at 55%, {(which is normal) you can ask me why, but that is another conversation}, I have lost 100 pounds and have kept it off, and I have completed two 10K runs which is something I would have never done prior to 2020! I will remain on drug therapy for the remainder of my life, but that is a small price for the chance I've been given.

I enjoy my roles as Executive Secretary, mentoring and providing clinics for several band programs, and mentoring student teachers for both Tarleton and UNT. These roles allow me to prioritize my health by scheduling days off each week, walking at least two miles 3-4 mornings a week, and eating a much healthier diet. Life is good!

I say all of this to hopefully warn other band directors who suffer from being a "work-o-holic" and do not prioritize their own health. The words that resonated with me were: "you can't take care of others, if you haven't taken care of yourself." I see that now and I wish it didn't take such a traumatic event to get my attention.

As we enter the holiday season, please take time to reflect on your health, both physical and mental, spend quality time with your loved ones, and take a long, much deserved break from teaching. In the new year, prioritize your health (if you aren't currently) and find the balance to sustain a quality life and career.

Recognize the Signs of Burnout Early

Band directing is rewarding but demanding. The holiday season can intensify pressure with extra performances and events, especially on the heels of a long marching band season. Watch for signs of burnout such as:

• Feeling constantly tired or overwhelmed

• Losing enthusiasm for your work

• Difficulty concentrating during rehearsals

• Increased irritability or frustration

  
  

Acknowledging these signs early allows you to take steps before exhaustion affects your health or your students’ experience. Remember, your energy sets the tone for your band.

Set Clear Boundaries Around Work and Personal Time

One of the biggest challenges during the holidays is the blurred line between work and home life. To protect your personal time:

• Schedule specific hours for rehearsals and administrative tasks

• Avoid checking emails or messages outside those hours

• Communicate your availability clearly to students, parents, and colleagues

• Delegate tasks when possible to reduce your workload

  
  

By setting boundaries, you create space to relax and be present with your family without feeling guilty or distracted.

Plan Holiday Activities With Your Family and Friends

The holidays are a perfect time to strengthen family bonds and reconnect with friends. Plan activities that everyone can enjoy, such as:

• Baking seasonal treats together

• Watching holiday movies

• Attending local events/performances

• Decorating the house or the Christmas tree

• Taking a walk or drive to see holiday lights

• Attend holiday parties or meals with your friends

  
  

These shared moments provide a break from work stress and create lasting memories. Even small traditions can bring joy and a sense of connection.

Use Mindful Practices to Manage Stress

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can help you stay calm and focused. Consider:

• Starting the day with a few minutes of deep breathing, meditation, or bible study

• Taking short breaks during the day to stretch, breathe deeply, and take a mental break

• Practicing gratitude by noting three things you appreciate each day

• Using visualization techniques to prepare calmly for performances

  
  

Mindfulness helps you respond to challenges with clarity rather than reacting impulsively. These techniques have proven to be quite effective for me over the last few years when life gets busy.

Prioritize Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise

It’s easy to sacrifice sleep, exercise, and healthy eating when your schedule is packed. Yet, these basics are crucial for maintaining energy and mood. Try to:

• Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night - you will be more productive

• Eat balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein (pre-plan/assemble meals for the week)

• Stay hydrated throughout the day

• Limit caffeine and sugar, especially in the afternoon and evening

• Schedule time to exercise at least 3 times a week, even 30-minutes is beneficial

• If you are feeling run down, take a day off to recharge. Our students need us to be energetic and in good spirits. Taking a day WILL NOT hurt your program!

  
  

Good physical health supports your mental resilience and stamina. This helps us to be more productive during work hours and minimizes the need to stay late or take work home.

Involve Your Students and Staff in Holiday Spirit

Engaging your band students and/or staff in holiday activities can lighten your load and build community. Ideas include:

• Organizing a potluck or small party after a rehearsal or concert

• Encouraging students to share their favorite holiday music or traditions

• Creating a group playlist of seasonal songs to enjoy during breaks

• Decorate the band hall and or performance area - students love to help with this!!

• Wear festive clothes for the concert. Ideas include: ugly Christmas sweaters or Santa hats

• Have student leaders organize a Secret Santa event

  
  

These activities foster a positive atmosphere and remind everyone that the holidays are about connection and giving.

Reflect on Your Accomplishments and Set Realistic Goals

The end of the year is a natural time to reflect on what you and your band have achieved during the fall semester. Celebrate successes, no matter how small, and set achievable goals for the new year. This practice can:

• Boost your motivation and confidence

• Help you focus on what matters most

• Reduce feelings of overwhelm by breaking tasks into manageable steps

  
  

Keeping perspective helps you maintain balance and avoid burnout.

Ask for Support When Needed

You don’t have to do everything alone. Reach out to:

• Fellow or neighboring band directors for advice or shared resources

• Family members to help with holiday preparations or childcare

• School staff and/or band boosters for assistance with logistics or communications

• Professional counselors if stress becomes unmanageable

  
  

Seeking support is a sign of strength and helps you maintain your well-being.

Final Thoughts

I know first hand that these ideas are much easier to say than actually do and I also know that this time of year can be very challenging in many different ways. There are many suggestions/ideas listed in this blog and hopefully you can find one or two that can help you navigate this busy season with joy and good health. If they work for you, use them in the new year as well and build upon that success.

Wishing you all a healthy, happy, and musical holiday season!!

---

Chris McLellan retired in 2021 as Director of Bands for Springtown ISD and currently serves as Executive Secretary for UIL Region 7. Additionally, Chris is a clinical teacher supervisor for Tarleton State University and the University of North Texas Band programs as well as an active mentor and clinician for numerous band programs across Texas. Please visit mclellanbandconsulting.net for additional blogs, resources and contact information.