The holidays are over and getting back to the routine can feel like hitting a brick wall at first. One minute, you’re sipping cocoa and binge-watching holiday movies; the next, you’re staring at your inbox wondering how it got so full. If post-holiday motivation is feeling MIA, you can trust we’re all in this together. Here are 7 practical ways to help you get back on track without too much struggle:
Reset Your Sleep Schedule
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Holiday sleep schedules tend to be… chaotic, to say the least. To get your energy back, start gradually adjusting your bedtime so it aligns with your work routine. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep per night, and make it a priority. Feeling rested is step one in showing up for the day, whether it’s at work, the gym, or just life in general. You’ve probably heard this a thousand times already, but it does help: avoid screens at least an hour before bed. Switch the TikTok doom-scrolling for a book or a relaxing activity like doing a puzzle, knitting, journaling, etc., or focus that hour on self-care. A nice, warm shower, your skincare routine, the works.
Declutter Your Workspace
Nothing says "new start" like a clean slate, so take some time to do a workspace reset. Whether you’re working from home or at the office, make sure to clear off anything you don’t need with a good declutter. This also applies to your digital workspace, so make sure you get your desktop under control. Delete junk emails, organize your files, get your calendar ready, etc. Make it fun for yourself, though. For example, play your favorite playlist or podcast while you declutter. It’ll feel less like a chore and more like a reset ritual.
Set Realistic Goals
Post-holiday ambition is great, but don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do it all at once. Start with small, achievable goals for your first week back. Breaking bigger tasks into bite-sized pieces can help you build momentum and avoid burnout. Instead of “finish the entire project by Friday,” start with “outline the first steps by Tuesday.” Every small win adds up.
Ease Back Into Your Routine
Newsflash: You don’t have to go full throttle on day one. Start with easier tasks and gradually ramp up to the harder stuff. Giving yourself a little runway to get back into the swing of things can help reduce stress and keep you motivated. If you’re feeling overwhelmed right off the bat, schedule your tasks in chunks. Think morning for admin stuff, afternoon for creative work, or whatever suits your energy levels throughout the day.
Prioritize and Organize
To-do lists are your best friend here. Start with the high-impact tasks that move the needle and work your way down. Not sure where to start? Try using a productivity app or planner to map out your day. Color-coding your list of tasks is a great way to prioritize from most urgent to least urgent. Plus, it looks very satisfying!
Implement Time Management Techniques
If staying focused feels impossible, give the Pomodoro Technique a shot: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Or try time blocking, which means dedicating specific hours of your day to different types of tasks. These methods help keep procrastination in check and make even the busiest days feel manageable. Use breaks as opportunities to stretch, drink water, or just grab some fresh air. These things are just as important as being productive.
Reconnect with Colleagues
Sometimes, motivation comes from the people around us. Catch up with coworkers, swap holiday stories, and dive into what’s been happening at work. Rebuilding those connections can make heading back to the office feel less daunting and a lot more fun. Suggest a quick coffee chat or a lunch. If you’re working online, set up a quick check-in video call.
Getting back into the groove after the holidays isn’t about being perfect; it’s about taking small, intentional steps. So go easy on yourself and you’ll be back in the zone before you know it.