Leading With Self-Compassion During the Holidays

Submitted by the USPS Employee Assistance Program

The holiday season is one of the most demanding times of the year for the Postal Service. Customer expectations are at their peak, delivery volumes surge and supervisors are called on to keep operations running smoothly while maintaining morale across their teams. In the midst of tight schedules, long hours and personal holiday commitments, it’s easy for supervisors to put their own well-being last.

Yet, now more than ever, self-compassion is not just helpful—it’s essential. Far from being a sign of indulgence or weakness, self-compassion is a leadership strength that supports resilience, steadiness and effective decision-making under pressure.

Why Self-Compassion Matters for Supervisors

Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same understanding, patience and respect you extend to others. It involves recognizing that everyone—including you—experiences stress, setbacks and moments of imperfection. Instead of being overly self-critical, self-compassion invites a balanced mindset: acknowledging challenges while maintaining perspective and kindness toward yourself.

For postal supervisors, who often serve as the “steady hand” guiding their teams through the busiest weeks of the year, self-compassion directly translates into stronger, steadier leadership.

The Benefits of Self-Compassion

1) Stronger leadership presence. When you remain calm and composed, your team feels more secure and supported, especially when the workload intensifies.

2) Better stress management. Being compassionate with yourself helps prevent burnout and reduces the chance of frustration spilling over into interactions with employees or customers.

3) Improved decision-making. Leaders who allow themselves moments to pause and reset are better equipped to think clearly, prioritize effectively and solve problems thoughtfully.

4) A healthier workplace culture. Modeling self-care and self-compassion sends a powerful message to your team—well-being matters. This practice encourages employees to look out for themselves and for one another, creating a more resilient workplace.

Practical Ways to Practice Self-Compassion

During the holidays, practicing self-compassion doesn’t have to take extra time. It’s about integrating small, mindful moments into your day that help you stay centered and balanced:

1) Pause and breathe. Even a single minute of slow, intentional breathing can ease tension, steady your thoughts and reset your focus.

2) Set realistic expectations. You can’t solve every problem at once. Prioritize what’s most important and recognize progress over perfection.

3) Acknowledge your effort. At the end of each shift, take a moment to reflect on what went well. Shifting your focus from “what’s unfinished” to “what I accomplished” builds gratitude and perspective.

4) Use positive self-talk. Replace harsh self-criticism with encouragement. Instead of saying, “I should have done more,” try, “I handled a tough day with commitment and care.”

5) Show yourself the same grace you show others. If you guide employees through mistakes with patience, extend that same understanding to yourself when things don’t go as planned.

Leadership That Lasts Beyond the Holidays

The holiday season always will bring challenges, but it also brings opportunities—to lead with empathy, model balance and strengthen team cohesion. Supervisors set the emotional tone in their workplaces; when you care for yourself, you make it easier for your team to do the same.

Practicing self-compassion helps you remain grounded in the face of pressure and reinforces a culture built on respect, balance and shared resilience. Remember: Caring for yourself is not separate from caring for your team; it’s the foundation of it.

By leading with self-compassion, you empower yourself and your employees to meet the demands of the season with steadiness, professionalism and heart.

Supporting Supervisors Through the EAP

As you focus on supporting your teams and yourself this season, remember that the USPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help. The EAP offers free and confidential* consultations, coaching and resources designed specifically for postal employees and leadership.

Whether you need guidance in managing stress, navigating workplace challenges or building stronger team relationships, the EAP provides professional support, tailored to your role. You don’t have to handle everything alone.

Reach out to your EAP for additional information, leadership resources or to schedule a consultation: EAP4YOU.com; 800-327-4968 (800-EAP-4YOU); TTY: 711.

Seeking support is not only an act of self-care, but also a commitment to leading with clarity, compassion and strength.

*EAP counselors have master’s degrees and are licensed professionals. Your privacy is protected by strict federal and state confidentiality laws and regulations and by professional ethical standards for counselors. Information you share with the EAP may not be released to anyone without your prior written consent, except as required by law (e.g., when a person’s emotional condition is a threat to themselves or others or there is suspected child or elder abuse) or the issuance of a court order on a showing of good cause.