The festive season always feels endless with late nights, outings and hosting your family. Then suddenly, it’s January and your alarm is ringing again. Here are some helpful ways to slide back into your routine without losing your chill:

1. Don’t go cold turkey – transition gradually
• Instead of jumping straight into full productivity mode, give yourself a few transition days
• Start waking up 30 minutes earlier each day to reset your body clock
• Ease back into your exercise routine with morning walks or light stretches
• Begin planning your week, but keep afternoons free for some rest or leisure

2. Reset your energy with nourishing food
• After all the festive treats, your body might be craving something lighter
• Focus on fresh, whole foods: fruit, salads, grilled fish, and lean proteins
• Stay hydrated, with lemon water, mint, or rooibos to your water for a refreshing twist and to detox all the festive beverages

3. Start with small, simple goals
• Forget trying to “crush” January – just focus on small wins
• Pick three priorities for your first week back (not 10)
• Use a simple to-do list or digital planner
• Celebrate finishing one meaningful task instead of stressing about doing it all

4. Keep the holiday calm in your routine
• Bring small pleasures into your weekdays: a sunset walk, a cold drink after work, or music while you cook
• Keep boundaries – don’t say yes to every meeting or invite right away
• Add moments of slow living into your mornings or evenings

5. Unplug and reconnect
• Ease off the digital noise – you’ve likely been scrolling through festive pics nonstop
• Try a social media detox for a day or two
• Replace endless scrolling with reading, journaling, or catching up with a friend in person
• Set “offline” hours in the evening to help your mind wind down

6. Reflect on what you loved about the holidays
• Instead of mourning the end of December, reflect on what made it special: time with family, slower mornings, laughter, peace
• Journal about what moments brought you joy
• Ask yourself how you can keep those feelings alive in your day-to-day life