Returning to Work After the Holidays: A Mindful Transition

This post really hits home for me. For some the end of the holiday season can feel like a gentle letdown—or for others like me, a jolt back into routine. You may notice a sense of unease as you think about returning to work, I know I did. This is pretty normal. After a period of slower pace, family time, and indulgences, our nervous system simply needs a moment to recalibrate.

Why post-holiday unease is common

Often, the stress you feel isn’t caused by work itself—it’s the story your mind is telling about work. Thoughts like “I’ll never catch up” or “This is going to be overwhelming” create tension before the day even begins. Our brains naturally spin these narratives, and it’s easy to mistake them for reality.

Gentle practices to ease the transition:

Before returning to work, here a few simple steps to I used to support my mind and body:

1. Observe and release the stories

   Take a quiet moment to notice the thoughts and stories about work—deadlines, meetings, emails—without judgment. Step back and watch them pass, like leaves floating down a stream. This helps you stop identifying with anxious thinking.

2. Move your body gently

   A short walk or other mindful movement can help release tension and bring your nervous system back into balance.

3. Set a simple intention

   Instead of a long to-do list, choose one clear intention for your first workday—e.g., “I will focus on a few important tasks and this will help ease my transition and maintain balance."

4. Reconnect with a supportive ritual

   This could be journaling, a cup of tea, a short meditation, or listening to calming music. Anything that creates a sense of ease before stepping back into work.

Closing thought

Returning to work after the holidays can feel extremely heavy. By taking these small, mindful steps and observing the stories your mind tells, you can ease into your routine with presence, clarity, and calm. Even a few minutes of gentle preparation can make your first day back much more peaceful.