The holiday season is magical—but let’s face it, getting back into work mode after a couple of weeks off can feel like trying to start an engine after it’s been idle for too long. If you’re feeling sluggish or overwhelmed as you return to your desk, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here’s a practical guide to help you ease back into your workflow and feel productive again.
1. Be Kind to Yourself
First things first: cut yourself some slack. It’s completely normal to feel a little off after the holidays. Instead of expecting to dive in at full speed on day one, give yourself permission to ease back in. Remember, productivity is a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Make a Game Plan
It’s time to get organized. Start by jotting down everything you need to tackle. Then, prioritize your tasks. What’s most urgent? What can wait? Breaking your work into smaller steps makes it much easier to handle.
For extra structure, try time-blocking: set specific times for each task on your list. Not only does this keep you focused, but it also gives your day some much-needed order.
3. Reconnect with Your Why
If the thought of returning to work feels uninspiring, take a step back and revisit your bigger goals. What are you working toward this year? How does your current task fit into the bigger picture? Sometimes, just reminding yourself of the “why” can reignite your motivation.
4. Start Small to Build Momentum
The hardest part is often just starting. Pick a simple, manageable task to kick things off—something you can complete quickly. Crossing that first item off your list creates a sense of accomplishment and gives you momentum to tackle the next thing.
5. Tidy Up Your Workspace
If your desk is still showing signs of holiday cheer (hello, stray tinsel and coffee cups), take a few minutes to clean it up. A fresh, organized workspace can help you mentally reset and get into a productive mindset.
6. Catch Up with Colleagues
Sometimes, getting back into the swing of things is as simple as reconnecting with your coworkers. Check in, share updates, and sync up on priorities. A little socializing can make work feel less daunting and help you re-engage with your team.
7. Re-Establish Your Routine
Chances are your daily rhythm was thrown off during the holidays (and for good reason—holiday cookies and late nights don’t scream “productivity”). Now’s the time to get back to basics:
- Stick to regular work hours.
- Plan your meals and take breaks.
- Add a small morning ritual, like journaling or stretching, to jumpstart your day.
8. Use Focus Techniques
If your mind feels scattered, try the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. It’s a simple way to build focus while avoiding burnout.
Also, limit distractions by muting unnecessary notifications and finding a quiet place to work.
9. Review Where You Left Off
Before you dive into new tasks, take a moment to review where things stood before the break. Refreshing your memory helps you pick up where you left off without feeling lost.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Lastly, don’t forget to acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Completing a task, sticking to your routine, or even just showing up ready to try are all wins worth celebrating.
Getting back to work after the holidays isn’t about hitting the ground running—it’s about building momentum one small step at a time. With a little patience and structure, you’ll find your groove again before you know it.
Ready to get started? You’ve got this!
Every step you take, no matter how tiny, is progress. Send that email. Organize that list. Open that project file. Each small action is a vote for the productive, unstoppable version of yourself.
You’re not starting from zero—you’re bringing with you all the skills, experience, and resilience you’ve built over time. A holiday doesn’t erase any of that; it just gave your mind and body the rest they needed to come back stronger.
And hey, let’s not forget the why behind what you do. You’re working toward something meaningful, whether it’s a personal goal, professional growth, or even just making the lives of others better through your work. That purpose is your fuel.
Finally, you don’t need to be perfect. Done is better than perfect, and today is about showing up, doing your best, and being proud of the effort you put in.
Now, take a deep breath, set a timer for your first task, and dive in. You’re capable of so much more than you realize—and this is just the beginning. Let’s crush it today! 💪✨
I’m rooting for you! 🏆