As we go into the first Monday of the year, Christmas trees are coming down, Christmas music is getting quiet, and that joyful, cozy feeling of the holidays is slowly disappearing.
It’s now the time when most people start returning back to work.
All the things you pushed off “until the new year” suddenly return the moment you log back on. After a week — maybe even two — out of office, you’re welcomed back by tons of emails, missed pings, unread notifications, and tasks waiting for your attention. Your brain might feel foggy. Your motivation might still be on vacation. Your emotions might feel heavier than usual. That’s normal. You’re human. And this transition doesn’t have to be harsh.
Here are five gentle ways to ease back into your workweek without overwhelming yourself:
1. Ease yourself into the rhythm — don’t try to “power through.”
You don’t need to conquer everything today. Start small.
Move through your inbox gradually instead of trying to clear it all at once. Your mind is still shifting out of holiday mode, and that’s okay.
2. Break your week into a realistic, human-sized plan.
Brain-dump your weekly to-dos, then assign tasks to specific days.
This helps you immediately see what is truly urgent and what can wait until later in the week. Pacing yourself is an act of discipline — and kindness.
3. Communicate your bandwidth (and protect it).
Let your team know you’re still catching up and responses may be delayed.
Block focused work time on your calendar. Turn on Do Not Disturb if you need to.
You’re not being difficult — you’re protecting your mental clarity.
4. Check in with yourself throughout the day.
Notice when your jaw clenches or your thoughts get loud.
Pause and breathe. Take a short stretch, drink water, or step away for two minutes.
Staying regulated is more important than staying “perfect.”
5. End the day with zero guilt.
Whatever didn’t get done today…is allowed to be a tomorrow task.
You’re re-entering, not racing. Give yourself permission to ease back in without pressure.
This time of year brings a strange mix of excitement and heaviness — the fresh start, the lingering exhaustion, the desire to “do better,” and the quiet grief of leaving the holidays behind. But easing back into real life isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention, pacing, and grace. You don’t have to have everything figured out today. You just have to return — gently, slowly, and in your own time. You’re doing better than you think.
