It’s the middle of January and the excitement of the new year has worn off. If I’m being totally honest it wore off January 2nd when I returned to work. December is a magical month, even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, being in the workforce, you’re most likely privy to office holiday parties, a general work attitude of “it can wait” and more days off than usual. Combine that with twinkling lights and any and all reasons to indulge and you’ve got yourself a holiday high.
Then all of the sudden, New Year’s Day is over and you’re forced back into reality like it never happened. You return to work groggy from your holiday hangover similar to the feeling of a screaming baby waking you in the middle of a deep sleep.
While I’m still struggling through like anyone else here are some simple things I’ve found that help:
- GET OUTDOORS – I live in Illinois so the weather is less than ideal in January, but sometimes you have to get outside and get that vitamin D. I go for a run outdoors when I can stand the frigid temps and my husband and I recently planned a weekend away up north to try snowboarding.
- TAKE TIME OFF – As a working mother I know how valuable PTO (paid time off) is and I usually hoard mine until the end of the year. My first company holiday of the year isn’t until May though and sometimes taking a day or two in January and February really helps my overall mood.
- GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK – I don’t make resolutions but I do try to return to a routine after the holidays. It’s not easy. No one’s perfect, it’s just important to keep trying!
How are you doing this winter Tuesday?
Find me on instagram @thestrugglingworkinmama