How to Supercharge Your Productivity After the Holiday Season
January 3, 2025
7 min read
Hey there! Brian touching base again, and I know just what you're experiencing right now. The holidays are over, and somehow, I always find myself staring at my inbox like it’s a mountain I forgot how to climb.
If you’re anything like me, that first week back feels sluggish, and motivation is playing hard to get. But don’t worry—I’ve been through this cycle enough times to share some real, practical tips that will help you ease back into the groove.
The Psychology of Post-Holiday Blues
The holiday season—filled with joy, late-night gatherings, and way too many cookies—is one of my favorite times of the year. But the transition back to the "real world" afterward? Not so much. If you’ve felt like you’re dragging through your first week back at work, you’re not alone. As revealed by research from the American Management Association, productivity can dip by up to 20% during the holiday season. Restoring our usual performance takes effort, and honestly, it’s not always easy.
Think about it—over the holidays, we’re basking in connection, indulgence, and a much-needed escape from our routines. Then, suddenly, it’s all deadlines, emails, and alarm clocks again. I know I’ve struggled with this shift, and it’s something I see others wrestle with too. That’s why I’ve learned a few tricks to help smooth the return to work and rediscover your groove.
1. Understanding Why We Feel Unmotivated
After the buzz of celebrations, it's tough to feel excited about routine tasks again. Psychologists call this a "state mismatch.” Over the holidays, we’re wired for joy and connection. Then, bam! We’re back to deadlines and responsibilities. It’s not you—it’s just how our brains react to shifts in structure.
2. The Impact of Disrupted Routines
I’ll admit it. My holiday schedule is always a mess—and that’s saying something, given how organized I usually am. Late nights, fewer workouts, more time on the couch with cookies than at my desk with tasks. Sound familiar? These disruptions throw off our internal rhythm, making it harder to snap back into productive habits.
3. How Sugar, Sleep, and Social Events Affect Energy
I’ve also learned that my favorite December indulgences—pies, parties, and procrastination—come with a cost. Too much sugar can lead to energy crashes; staying up late chatting with family disrupts sleep quality; even simply being “socially on” can wear you out. These factors combine to make the first week back to work feel uphill. That’s why it’s so important to set yourself up for small, energizing wins.
Start with Small Wins
1. The Importance of Manageable Goals
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this—don’t try to tackle everything at once. Set a goal so easy it almost feels silly. For me, it’s organizing my notebook and writing down just three priorities for the day. Once I check them off, momentum naturally builds.
2. Creating a Graduated Return-to-Work Schedule
Every year, I ease myself back into my routine. It’s like working out after taking a break; you pace yourself to avoid burnout. Start by focusing on simpler, low-stakes tasks on your first day. It’s okay to ease into higher-effort projects later in the week as your energy rebuilds.
Smart Move! Make a “week one” plan where mornings are for familiar tasks and afternoons focus on creative or complex work. Know your energy peaks and plan accordingly.
3. Using the Two-Minute Rule for Quick Accomplishments
My secret weapon? The two-minute rule. If something takes less than two minutes—approve those expense reports, respond to a quick email—do it right away. It clears the mental clutter and builds a sense of accomplishment.
Rebuild Your Daily Structure
1. Reestablishing Morning Routines
Here’s where I always start getting back on track—mornings. Over the years, I’ve learned that my most productive days begin the same way. Coffee (non-negotiable), a 10-minute journal session, and a quick glance at my calendar. A steady routine creates a mental “reset button.”
2. Time-Blocking Techniques for the First Week
To make the most out of my return, I time-block everything. Even lunch and breaks go on the calendar. This keeps me from feeling overwhelmed while making sure every task gets the attention it deserves. Need flexibility? I leave buffer zones for unexpected hiccups.
3. Setting Boundaries Between Work and Personal Time
One trap I’ve fallen into is blurring work and personal life, especially after the holidays. I’m tempted to check emails late at night or extend work hours to “catch up.” But trust me—setting clear, defined boundaries will keep you energized and avoid burnout.
Environment Reset
1. Decluttering Your Workspace
Nothing says “fresh start” like a clean desk. Each January, I make it a ritual to spend my first hour back clearing out old papers and unnecessary knick-knacks. When my surroundings are tidy, my focus improves instantly.
2. Digital Organization and Inbox Management
After decluttering the physical, it’s time for the digital. I once made the mistake of trying to tackle a chaotic inbox all at once. Never again. Now, I use folders and filters to sort emails and keep only urgent items front and center.
Smart Move! Create three simple email folders like "Urgent," "Follow-up," and "Later." Archive everything else to keep your inbox stress-free.
3. Creating an Environment That Promotes Focus
Sometimes it’s the little things—a calming playlist, a scented candle, fresh notepad—that help me focus. Find what works for you, and make your workspace a place you enjoy being.
Physical and Mental Wellness
1. Getting Back to Regular Sleep Patterns
Here’s the thing about sleep—it’s irreplaceable. After many exhausting Mondays, I now prioritize getting back to a consistent bedtime post-holidays. Start simple; even just 10 minutes earlier per night adds up.
2. Nutrition Strategies for Sustained Energy
Instead of relying on coffee and holiday leftovers (guilty as charged), I shift to nutrient-packed meals to boost energy. Think protein and whole grains for breakfast, and don’t forget hydration. Carrying a water bottle has made all the difference for me!
3. Exercise Routines That Boost Productivity
Here’s a confession: I don’t always feel like working out, especially after a lazy holiday. But I remind myself it’s less about fitness and more about mental clarity. A quick walk or yoga session doubles as a productivity tool, making it easier to focus when I sit back down.
Goal Setting and Planning
1. Annual Review and Reflection
One of my favorite traditions is a New Year’s review. I block off an afternoon to reflect on wins and lessons from the past year. There’s no right or wrong way to do this—just ask yourself what worked, what didn’t, and where you want to grow.
2. Setting SMART Goals for the New Year
Speaking of growth, I always start the year with SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). For example, instead of saying, “I’ll be better at time management,” I break it down to “spend 90 focused minutes daily on core projects.”
3. Breaking Down Large Projects Into Actionable Steps
When I face a big project, my strategy is chunking it down into bite-sized steps. Tackling tasks one at a time prevents procrastination and keeps me moving forward.
Technology and Tools
1. Productivity Apps and Software Recommendations
I swear by Evernote for notes, Trello for project management, and Forest for staying distraction-free. There’s no one-size-fits-all tool; experimenting until you find your groove is key.
Smart Move! Test out one new productivity app during January. If it doesn’t add value within two weeks, ditch it and try another.
2. Calendar Management Strategies
Here’s something I learned late in the game—if it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist. Use calendars not just for meetings but for focused work sessions, reminders, and self-care.
3. Using Automation to Reduce Workload
Whenever possible, I automate tedious tasks. Auto-responses, scheduled social posts, and workflow templates give me more mental space to focus on high-impact projects.
Team Collaboration
1. Communicating Expectations with Colleagues
After the holidays, syncing up with my team is a must. I’m honest about my priorities and encourage them to share theirs. Clear communication sets the tone for smooth collaboration.
2. Scheduling Catch-Up Meetings Effectively
We’ve all sat through pointless meetings, right? To avoid that, I plan brief, one-on-one check-ins or focused group updates. This keeps everyone aligned without wasting time.
3. Sharing Goals and Accountability
Accountability is powerful. I share my goals with a colleague or mentor who regularly checks in on progress. It’s motivating to know someone else is rooting for your success.
Maintaining Momentum
1. Progress Tracking Methods
To maintain motivation, I track small wins daily—writing progress, completed tasks, even how many glasses of water I drank! Progress-focused journaling keeps me inspired.
2. Reward Systems and Motivation
Celebrating wins fuels me for the next goal. Rewards can be as simple as taking a break to walk my dog or treating myself to a new book.
3. Adjusting Strategies as Needed
And one last thing—don’t be afraid to adjust your approach. What works this week might need tweaking next month, and that’s okay. Flexibility is a strength.
Time to Show Monday Who's Boss!
There’s no magic formula for beating the post-holiday slump, but these steps can help you take control and regain your sense of accomplishment. Whether resetting your environment, prioritizing wellness, or leaning on tools and team support, you’ve got what it takes. And hey—I’ll be cheering for you from my (now decluttered) desk!
