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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
Photo by Hans Isaacson on UnsplashNothing 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
Photo by Silvan Arnet on UnsplashPost-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
Photo by Daffa Z on UnsplashNewsflash: 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
Photo by airfocus on UnsplashTo-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
Photo by Sabri Tuzcu on UnsplashIf 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
Photo by Brooke Cagle on UnsplashSometimes, 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.
Vision boards are known as motivational tools, but they actually have a foundation in scientific and psychological principles. Research in neuroscience and psychology explains their potential for goal achievement. The TLDR is that their effectiveness is rooted in how our brains process visual information and how visualization techniques can influence our behavior and decision-making processes. From activating the Reticular Activating System (RAS) to engaging multiple neural pathways, vision boards tap into powerful cognitive processes.
Overall, visualization techniques have been shown to increase the likelihood of achieving goals by 1.4 to 2.5 times compared to those who don't use visualization. So while vision boards aren’t a magical solution, when accompanied by actionable steps, they can increase the likelihood of achieving our goals. Here are 8 tips to help you make your vision board for 2025:
Get Crystal Clear on Your Goals
Photo by Immo Wegmann on UnsplashVague goals lead to vague results. Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” get specific: “Run a 5K by June” or “Eat five servings of veggies daily,” and find images that represent those goals as clearly as possible. The clearer your goals, the easier it is for your brain to visualize them—and work toward them. Bonus: You’ll actually know when you’ve achieved them.
Make It Personal
Photo by Jovan Vasiljević on UnsplashYour vision board should feel like you. Skip the random stock photos of sunsets or yachts and choose images that hit you in the feels. Dream of running a marathon? Find a picture of the exact race you want to conquer. Saving for your first home? Use an image of a house that looks like the one you want. The more personal the connection, the more powerful the motivation.
Look for Actionable Images
Photo by Thought Catalog on UnsplashIt’s not all about the destination, so focus on the journey too. Alongside that dreamy vacation pic, add images of a packed suitcase or a savings tracker. Want to land your dream job? Throw in a picture of a polished résumé or a vision of you acing an interview. Highlighting the process reminds you that achieving goals takes work, and it also keeps you pumped for the ride.
Go Dual Mode: Physical and Digital
Photo by pure julia on UnsplashWhy limit your vision board to one format? Create a physical board for your desk or wall, and make a digital version for your phone or computer wallpaper. That way, whether you’re sipping coffee at home or scrolling on your lunch break, your goals are always front and center.
Keep It Fresh
Photo by Jovan Vasiljević on UnsplashYour vision board isn’t a static work of art, it’s a living, breathing tool. Set a reminder to check in with it every month and assess where you’re at. Have you hit some of your goals? Replace them with new ones. Has life taken a turn? Adjust accordingly. Keeping your board updated ensures it stays relevant and inspiring. It’s a work in progress, like all of us.
Add Words That Fire You Up
Photo by Stephen Harlan on UnsplashA killer quote or affirmation can be just as motivating as a picture. Think phrases like “I am unstoppable” or “Progress, not perfection.” Choose words that resonate with you and make you want to get moving. Sprinkle them in to keep your board as energizing as possible. These phrases and quotes will come in handy when you hit rough patches, which are unavoidable, and they will help you recenter yourself.
Mix Short-Term Wins with Long-Term Dreams
Photo by Diogo Cardoso on UnsplashBalance is key. Include quick wins (like drinking more water) alongside those big, pie-in-the-sky dreams (hello, beachside retirement home). Achieving the smaller goals builds momentum and keeps you fired up for the bigger ones. It’s all a process, every step gets you closer to everything you want to achieve.
Visualize the Journey, Not Just the Goal
Photo by madison lavern on UnsplashHere’s the secret sauce: it’s not just about the endgame. Picture yourself taking the steps to get there. Want to ace a half marathon? Add images of running shoes, training schedules, and your favorite running trail. By focusing your vision board on the process as much as the results, you’re training your brain to love the hustle, not just the finish line.
A vision board can be a powerful tool to keep your goals top of mind. So grab some magazines, open Pinterest, or start designing digitally. The future you’ve been dreaming of is just a vision board away. Let’s go!
After weeks of overindulging and going balls to the wall, your body might feel a little off balance. Good news: You don’t need a fancy juice cleanse or detox tea to reset. Your body has its own detox system that thrives when supported by simple, healthy habits. Here are 10 ways to give it the love it deserves and start the new year feeling refreshed:
Start Prioritizing Quality Sleep Again
woman sitting on white bed while stretchingPhoto by bruce mars on UnsplashThink of sleep as your body’s overnight clean-up crew. During deep sleep, your brain flushes out waste products, including beta-amyloid, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Poor sleep disrupts this process and can lead to long-term health issues like stress, anxiety, and heart disease. Aim for 7 to 9 hours a night and rebuild your bedtime routine, making it as calming as possible. No scrolling TikTok until 2 a.m.!
Cut Back on Sugar and Processed Foods
Photo by Erik Mclean on UnsplashHoliday cookies and chips are fun in the moment, but they can wreak havoc on your liver and kidneys, which are the MVPs of your detox system. High-sugar diets have been linked to fatty liver disease and other chronic conditions. Now that the time of indulgence is over, start cutting back on processed snacks and switch them to nutrient-rich whole foods like fruits, veggies, and nuts to help your body thrive. Your energy levels will thank you!
Work on Drinking More Water
Photo by Bluewater Sweden on UnsplashStaying hydrated helps your body flush out waste, so it’s one of the most important elements for detoxing your body healthily. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, and if plain water feels boring, spice things up with a squeeze of lemon or a few cucumber slices. Your skin, energy, and digestion will all get a glow-up.
Get Out of Hybernation and Move Your Body
Photo by Jonathan Borba on UnsplashExercise isn’t just for burning off those extra holiday calories, it also boosts your body’s detox game. Physical activity reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and even helps eliminate toxins through sweat. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a dance session in your living room, aim for 150 minutes of movement per week to help get your body back on track.
Add More Fiber to Your Plate
Photo by Louis Hansel on UnsplashFiber is like a broom for your digestive system, helping to sweep out waste and keep things moving. Regular bowel movements are essential for removing toxins, so load up on fiber-rich foods like veggies, beans, seeds, and whole grains.
Cut Back on Your Alcohol Consumption
Photo by Kelsey Knight on UnsplashWe get it, holiday cocktails are fun, but your liver is probably begging for a break. Alcohol is processed in your liver, and too much can lead to fat buildup and inflammation, reducing its ability to function. Swap wine for herbal tea or mocktails to give your liver the love and care it deserves after getting you through the holiday season.
Eat More Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Photo by Anastasia Zhenina on UnsplashAntioxidants are the unsung heroes of your body, fighting off damage from free radicals that can mess with your cells. Berries, nuts, green tea, and leafy greens are antioxidant-packed powerhouses. Plus, they taste amazing! Incorporate these foods into your daily meals for a detox-friendly boost.
Take a Walk in Nature
Photo by Alex Moliski on UnsplashSometimes the best detox isn’t about what you eat but where you go. Walking in nature—or even just in a park—reduces stress, boosts your immune system, and helps reset your mind. If possible, go barefoot to reconnect with the earth. Yes, it sounds woo-woo, but it works.
Try a Sauna or Sweat Session
Photo by HUUM on UnsplashSweating isn’t just for gym rats, it’s also a great way to expel environmental pollutants like phthalates and PCBs from your body. If you can’t hit a sauna, try a good ol’ cardio workout to break a sweat. Your body will thank you for the detox and endorphin boost.
Add Green Tea Into Your Daily Routine
Photo by Kat von Wood on UnsplashGreen tea is like a hug for your liver. It contains a compound called EGCG that boosts liver enzymes and fights oxidative stress. Swap your morning coffee for a cup of green tea or add it to your daily routine, and if caffeine isn’t your thing, go for the decaf version.
Remember, you don’t need to be perfect in getting back on track. Small, sustainable changes make the biggest difference!
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.