Making it through the Monday of all Mondays
How we doing, folks? Have you recovered from the Monday of all Mondays yet?
I’m deeming yesterday Monday Final Boss. Coming back to work after a holiday break can be surprisingly disorienting, and this one really threw me for a loop.
For many years, I worked in retail management—slinging cell phones at AT&T, selling curios and oddities in antique shops, and encouraging good vibes with locally made goods. There were lots of great moments, but if I’m being honest, I always kind of dreaded the holidays. They’re the busiest time of year for retail: thrilling and lucrative, but also stressful and exhausting. The season often flies by with little room to slow down and actually enjoy it. Christmas Eve is spent with coworkers, and before you know it, the ornaments are packed away, and it’s back to business as usual—followed by the dreaded January retail lull.
This year was different. I was able to take real time off and enjoy the holidays with family, and it was exactly the pause I needed. The first few days, I kept feeling a weird pull to sit down at my computer and work—surely a side effect of the work-from-home lifestyle. I even traveled with my laptop “just in case,” but thankfully didn’t open it once. By the end of the break, I genuinely wondered if I remembered how to do my job. What are my passwords? What do I even do all day? Who am I? Where am I? I’m joking! Mostly.
When I sat down at my desk yesterday, it felt like my first day at a new job. My routine was off, my inbox was overflowing, and my to-do list had grown legs while I was gone. I made it through the day slowly but surely, ending with a headache and a long sigh. Mondays are hard. The first day back after time off can really hit hard—and I know I’m not the only one.
So I wanted to share a few things that helped me get through the day and ease back into the rhythm, in case they help you too.
CAFFEINATE, COOK, AND MAKE IT COZY
You know what it is. I started the morning with cold brew and my current favorite snack: Trader Joe’s hashbrowns topped with homemade ramen eggs (7-minute soft-boiled and marinated) and Chili Crisp. ❤️🔥 I ate breakfast while easing into the day—humidifier on (this Pisces girlie hates dry winter air), ambient lighting set, office vibes gently restored. Small comforts go a long way.
LET YOUR SYSTEMS GUIDE YOU
Even though none of my current clients use Trello, it’s still my go-to for managing my personal routine. I rely heavily on repeat cards to automate daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. When sitting at a device with infinite internet access feels overwhelming, having a simple, automated checklist is grounding. It reminds me where to start—and honestly, there’s nothing more satisfying than completing a card and archiving it.
Whatever tool you use, having a trusted system to guide you through your routine can make all the difference when your brain feels scrambled.
BREAK IT UP
The first day back is not the time to white-knuckle it. Taking intentional 5 or10-minute breaks to fully step away from work can reset your energy. I use a built-in Pomodoro timer in my time-tracking app (Toggl), and it helps me fully lock in knowing a break is coming.
COLLABORATE STRATEGICALLY
As an EA, I’ve found it especially helpful to schedule check-ins early in the week after a break—but not too early. Tuesday is my sweet spot. It gives everyone a day to catch up on emails and loose ends, then space to collaborate on a plan for the week that actually feels doable, with plenty of time left to execute.
BRAIN DUMP
The first day back can leave your thoughts swirling. Even if you don’t have the energy to tackle everything right away, get it out of your head. I keep a running “brain dump” list where I jot down loose thoughts, tasks, and reminders as they come up. Once they’re captured, I can think more clearly and decide what actually needs my attention—now or later.
MAINTAIN PERSPECTIVE
Hard days pass. The fog lifts. I kept reminding myself that my only real goal yesterday was re-orientation, not peak productivity. Today already feels lighter than yesterday did—and that’s usually how it goes.
Be patient with yourself. Make the accommodations you can. You’ll find your rhythm again.
So there you have it—my survival toolkit for the post-break slump. I’m curious, how do you ease back in after time off?
