The Great Post-Holiday Reset

We’ve all hit the ground running this week, back to work, ready to take on the new year with gusto … right? Okay, maybe not.

The holidays are a welcome break from business as usual. But let’s face it, the season’s festivities rarely offer much respite. Even if you had a chance to do a little hibernating, rolling out of bed and into the swing of things can be tough.

With the merriment over and the downtime behind us, you may even find yourself with a case of the post-holiday blues.

But we have stuff to do — obstacles to tackle, dreams to chase, and goals to achieve in 2025. It’s time to go after what you’re here to do!

We can’t let the winter doldrums sabotage our plans.

Here’s what I don’t recommend: New Year’s resolutions. As a coach, I can tell you they don’t work. Artificial fluff. Temporary distractions.

Instead, I suggest you do this:

1. 1. Pick a “back to normal” date. Accept that being back to work doesn’t mean being back to normal. When are you really going to kick things off? Be honest (and gentle) with yourself.
   2. Keep the party going. Add some festivities for this month. Gather with friends, go see a show, or take a little day trip. Give yourself something to look forward to in January.
   3. Face your finances. Did the holiday magic go over budget or add some debt? Don’t let it weigh on you; put a plan in place to tackle it.
   4. Get some sun. Even if it’s cold outside, the Vitamin D will do you good. Pick up an artificial sunlight lamp if you have to. I keep mine right on my desk.
   5. Move your body. You don’t need to hit the overcrowded gym this month or do anything extreme. Make it fun.
   6. Connect with people. Loneliness can get the best of us in the winter if we let it, but we’re social animals (even you introverts!) Make the effort to get together with friends and loved ones and meet new people.
   7. Give yourself grace. Acknowledge the post-holiday winter blues if you have them, and remember that this is temporary. Spring will be here before you know it.

In other words, the key to a good post-holiday reset is good self-care. You’ve got this! I look forward to seeing what you accomplish this year.