5 Ways to Overcome the Work Slump After the Holidays

This week on The DayBreak Blog, we’re sharing some news based on what we are seeing in the current marketplace.


2024 is officially here and it’s the time of year where people are trying to put their best foot forward and make some positive changes for the new year. However, it’s also a time of year where many of us feel we are in a foggy daze after spending many days eating, drinking and being merry with friends and family. After a week or two of asking ourselves “what day of the week is it?”, it can be difficult to hit the ground running when returning back to work.

The good news is there are some strategies, backed by science, that are proven to jumpstart your motivation. So rest assured, you can still start off the new year in a productive way even if you are still feeling a bit sluggish from all of the end of year festivities.


According to FastCompany.com, here are 5 ways to overcome the work slump after the holidays:

  1. Set modest and attainable goals. We tend to set major goals in both our professional and personal lives this time of year in the form of resolutions. But these major goals can feel overwhelming and difficult to accomplish. Start small, with some things you can accomplish this week or this month. It will give you momentum to keep working towards bigger goals.
  2. Harness your natural, internal drive. Is there a project at work that speaks to your interests? Ask your supervisor to get involved. Find a hobby or passion project outside of work to provide some motivation. Build and develop your relationships at work to help you feel more connected and motivated.
  3. Shift your point of view. Understand that you are hardly alone in your feeling of sluggishness. Don’t be too hard on yourself and treat the first week back at work as if you are warming up before going full speed. Be realistic about what you can get done in those first days back in the office and keep building momentum as the days and weeks go by.
  4. Plan a fun activity. Having something fun to look forward to can help boost our mood and our ability to cope with stress. It could be something outside of work, such as a vacation or a short break, but can also be something in the workplace. Something as simple as setting up a lunch at a favorite restaurant with colleagues can do the trick.
  5. Have a sense of gratitude. Take a second to sit back and reflect on all the things that you like and appreciate about your job. Focus on the skills you’ve gained, the relationships you’ve developed, the things and experiences you have in your personal life that your career has enabled. By focusing on these positive points, you can regain your motivation and enthusiasm for your work in the new year.

For more details and to read the full article from FastCompany.com, click the link below!