(A Very Gentle Approach)
Returning to work after the holidays feels a little like waking a sleeping capybara.
Possible.
But delicate.
The decorations are coming down. The snacks are running out. Your inbox is… present. Suddenly everyone is pretending it’s normal to jump straight back into productivity, as if we didn’t just spend weeks operating on vibes and cookies.
Gene understands.
This guide is not about “getting back on track.”
It’s about re-entering gently, with minimal shock to your nervous system.
Why Going Back to Work After the Holidays Feels So Hard
The post-holiday return to work isn’t just about work. It’s about switching modes.
For weeks, your days may have included:
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slower mornings
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flexible schedules
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comfort food
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less structure
Then suddenly: alarms, meetings, expectations.
That shift alone can cause post-holiday blues, even if you enjoyed your time off. Your brain isn’t broken — it’s just adjusting.
Gene’s Rule #1: Do Not Expect Peak Performance on Day One
The first day back at work after the holidays is not for:
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catching up on everything
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answering every email
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solving big problems
It is for:
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logging in
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remembering your password
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drinking water
Think of it as a soft launch, not a grand reopening.
Start With One Small Win
When returning to work after Christmas, Gene recommends choosing one manageable task and completing it slowly.
Not because it’s efficient — but because it reminds your brain:
“I can still do things.”
That’s enough for now.
Adjust Your Expectations (Not Your Worth)
Post-holiday anxiety often comes from expecting yourself to instantly operate at pre-holiday levels.
You are still the same capable person — you’re just transitioning. That doesn’t mean you’ve lost momentum. It means you’re human.
Rebuild Your Routine in Pieces
Instead of forcing your full schedule back into place, reintroduce structure gradually:
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Day 1: show up
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Day 2: focus
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Day 3: plan
You don’t need to rush the reset. Routine returns naturally when you let it.
Keep Comfort Close
Returning to work is easier when something familiar comes with you:
Small comforts act as emotional anchors during transition days.
Gene approves of this strategy.
Take Breaks Without Guilt
You may feel more tired than usual during your first week back at work after the holidays. This is normal.
Your brain is processing change.
Stand up. Stretch. Look away from the screen. Take a quiet moment. Productivity improves when pressure decreases.
You Don’t Have to Love It Right Away
Some people bounce back energized. Others don’t. Both are okay.
Returning to work after the holidays isn’t a test — it’s a transition. You’re allowed to feel neutral, tired, or unsure while you settle back in.
Gene’s Final Reminder
You don’t need to prove anything this week.
You don’t need to rush your return to productivity.
You just need to arrive — gently.
Work will still be there tomorrow.
Your well-being is what carries you through it.
Gene believes in slow starts.
And he believes in you.
🦫✨
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