Two former principals argue administrators must actively manage their mental health and resilience across three domains—regulatory stressors, operational strain, and relational fatigue—to sustain effective school leadership. The piece recounts real scenarios, including intensive drills and training on immigration enforcement, that amplify daily stress. > Colleges of education and leadership-preparation programs should integrate executive‑wellness modules, peer cohorts, and crisis‑management training into administrator certifications. District HR and university partners may face immediate demand for support offerings and professional‑learning contracts tied to leader retention.