Getting Back into a Routine After the Holidays
posted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026
The holidays are a wonderful time to slow down, connect with loved ones, and enjoy traditions that don’t always fit neatly into our usual schedules. But once the decorations come down and the calendar flips, getting back into a routine can feel overwhelming. If you’re struggling to find your rhythm again, you’re not alone, and a gradual reset is perfectly normal.
Give Yourself Grace
First things first: it’s okay if your routine doesn’t snap back into place immediately. The holidays often disrupt sleep schedules, eating habits, and work-life balance. Instead of expecting perfection on day one, allow yourself a little grace. Think of this reset as a gradual transition, not a hard stop.
Start Small and Build Momentum
Rather than trying to overhaul your entire schedule, focus on one or two simple habits to restart. That might be going to bed at a consistent time, prepping lunches for the week, or setting aside 10 minutes each morning to plan your day. Small, achievable steps help rebuild confidence and create momentum.
Revisit What Worked Before
Before the holidays, you likely had routines that helped you feel productive and balanced. Take a moment to reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. This is a great opportunity to adjust – keep what served you and let go of habits that felt stressful or unsustainable.
Prioritize Your Health and Well-Being
Getting back into a routine isn’t just about productivity; it’s about supporting your physical and mental health. Regular sleep, balanced meals, hydration, and movement all play a key role in helping your body and mind reset after the holidays. Even small changes, like taking a short walk during the day or planning nutritious meals ahead of time, can boost energy levels, improve focus, and reduce stress.
Mental well-being matters just as much. The post-holiday period can sometimes bring feelings of fatigue, stress, or low motivation. Building simple routines around mindfulness, relaxation, or taking short breaks can help improve mood and prevent burnout. When your health is a priority, staying consistent with your routine becomes much more manageable.
Set Realistic Expectations
January often comes with pressure to “do it all” or make big changes fast. Instead, set realistic, flexible goals. Progress matters more than perfection, and routines that fit your life are the ones you’re most likely to stick with long-term.
Lean on Structure and Support
Using tools like calendars, reminders, or to-do lists can provide helpful structure as you ease back in. Don’t hesitate to lean on coworkers, friends, or family for support and accountability as it can be easier to reset together.
Helping Kids Get Back into a Routine
For parents, getting kids back into a routine can be one of the biggest challenges after the holidays. Late nights, relaxed schedules, and time off from school can make early mornings and structured days feel especially tough.
Start by reintroducing routines gradually. Getting back to consistent bedtimes and wake-up times a few days before school or activities to resume can make mornings smoother. Simple habits like packing backpacks the night before, planning lunches ahead of time, and creating predictable morning and evening routines can help kids feel more prepared and less stressed.
It’s also important to acknowledge that kids may feel tired, anxious, or resistant during this transition. Open conversations, patience, and reassurance can go a long way. When children know what to expect, routines provide a sense of comfort and stability that supports both their physical health and emotional well-being and makes daily life easier for parents as well.
Remember: Routines Are Meant to Serve You
A routine should support your health, happiness, and goals – not add stress. As you settle back in after the holidays, give yourself permission to adjust and adapt. With patience and consistency, your routine will fall back into place, and you might even find it works better than before.
Here’s to a refreshed start and a routine that helps you feel your best in the months ahead!
- wellness