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7 Ways to Reset Your Work Routine After the Holidays

January 05, 2026

The holidays have a way of throwing off your routine — from sleep and meals to your workday. And getting back on track in January isn’t always as simple as flipping a switch.

“Even short disruptions to daily habits can make it harder to focus, sleep well and feel productive,” says Jennifer Ferrand, PsyD, with Hartford HealthCare. “The key is rebuilding consistency in a realistic way.”

If work and home life feel a little out of sync right now, here are seven practical ways to reset your routine and ease back into January.

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1. Reset your sleep schedule — gradually

Late nights and relaxed mornings are common during the holidays, but your body clock notices the change.

“Sleep is foundational for energy, mood and concentration,” Dr. Ferrand says. “When sleep is off, everything else tends to follow.”

Instead of trying to fix it in one night, shift your bedtime and wake-up time by 15 to 30 minutes every few days. Gradual adjustments are easier to maintain and less jarring for your body.

2. Bring structure back to your mornings

Holiday mornings often lack routine, and that can make the workday feel rushed before it even starts.

“A consistent morning routine helps signal to your brain that it’s time to focus,” says Dr. Ferrand.

That might mean waking up at the same time each day, eating breakfast again or taking five minutes to review your priorities. Even one repeated habit can make mornings feel more predictable.

3. Ease up on the extras

Extra cookies, late-night snacks and that extra glass of wine tend to linger into January. While you may be tempted to do a hard reset, extreme changes are hard to stick with.

“Trying to cut everything out at once can backfire,” Dr. Ferrand says. “Moderation is more sustainable than restriction.”

Focus on balance instead. Maybe that means fewer weekday drinks, smaller portions or being more mindful of late-night snacking. Small changes add up.

4. Reestablish your workday boundaries

Time off can blur the lines between work and home, especially if you work remotely or have a flexible schedule. Without clear boundaries, work can creep into evenings and personal time can disappear.

“Clear boundaries help prevent burnout and improve productivity,” says Dr. Ferrand.

Setting consistent start and end times, scheduling focus blocks or creating an end-of-day routine can help you mentally disconnect from work and protect your personal time.

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5. Clear physical and mental clutter

A reset is easier when your environment supports it. Messy spaces and overloaded to-do lists can quietly drain your focus and motivation.

“Clutter can increase stress and make it harder to concentrate,” Dr. Ferrand says.

Take time to tidy your workspace, organize your inbox or write down tasks instead of carrying them all in your head. A little organization can bring a sense of control back to your day.

6. Reset your expectations for January

The start of the year often comes with pressure to overhaul everything at once — new habits, new goals and a totally new routine. That mindset can set you up for frustration.

“Big changes aren’t always realistic or necessary,” says Dr. Ferrand. “Small, achievable goals are more effective and easier to sustain.”

Pick one or two habits to focus on this month, rather than trying to reset your entire routine in a week.

7. Give yourself grace as you get back into rhythm

Getting back into routine takes time, and it’s normal to feel sluggish or unfocused at first. A slow start doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

“Be patient with yourself,” Dr. Ferrand says. “Adjusting after a break is part of the process.”

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s consistency that supports both your work and your well-being.

The holidays don’t have to derail your progress. With a few steady habits and realistic expectations, you can reset your work routine in a way that supports both productivity and well-being as the new year unfolds.