AS the festive season draws to a close and millions of South Africans return to their jobs to kick-start 2026, the shift from holiday to work mode can feel daunting, especially when inboxes are overflowing with emails demanding urgent attention.

After weeks of not looking at a computer screen or checking work messaging groups, switching back on can be tough. But experts say there are practical strategies workers can use to regain focus and build positive momentum in the first weeks of the year — turning “Januworry” into January.

Social worker and Crisis Line marketing manager at Netcare Akeso, Megan Gonsalves, said resting over the festive period, even for those who worked through parts of it, can help set you up for better mental health and a positive start to the new year.

Similarly, Mediclinic psychologist Alexis Haupt-Pullen encouraged people not to stray too far from routine and balance.

“The festive period will often disrupt your normal rhythms, which makes structure more important than ever,” said Haupt-Pullen. “Maintaining routines offers psychological stability and predictability.”

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Tips to help you stay balanced and ease your return to work:

• Use your year-end break to unwind and recover
  Reflect on the year, decompress, and give yourself mental and physical space from daily stressors.
• Be present during your time off
  Fully enjoying the break can make you more effective and motivated when you return.
• Set realistic, achievable goals for the first week
  Start with smaller, manageable tasks to rebuild confidence and avoid becoming overwhelmed.
• Prepare before your first day back
  The day before returning to work, organise your calendar, plan meals, and make sure you get adequate sleep.
• Prioritise what truly matters
  Not every email requires immediate action. Sort messages by sender or topic and create a priority list to regain control of your workload.
• Organise your workspace, physical and digital
  If you’re returning to new tasks or responsibilities, a clean, structured environment can boost productivity.
• Check your schedule and block out time for key tasks
  Prevent the first week from being swallowed by meetings and last-minute requests by protecting time for important work.

“Take care of yourself and your mental health and make the most of this time to recharge so that you can start the year refreshed and focused,” said Gonsalves.

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