From Holiday Bliss to Workplace Success: How to Keep the Cheer Alive

I really appreciate the holiday season! For me, it brings joy, relaxation, and a sense of community that’s hard to let go of once January rolls around. But returning to work post-holidays doesn’t mean you have to leave your holiday happiness behind. In fact, with a few intentional actions, you can maintain that positive energy and bring a little holiday magic into your workplace all year long.

Here are three ways that have helped me transition back to work while holding onto my holiday good mood.

1. Set Healthy Boundaries

The holidays remind us how refreshing it feels to step away from work. Carry that feeling forward by setting clear work-life boundaries. For example, establish a firm start or end to your workday. Or, block off a mini-break during the day. Either way, give yourself the time needed to recharge or spend quality time with loved ones.

I was that person who would check my emails at night before bed, in the morning before rolling out of bed, and everywhere else in-between. I never gave myself a break from the work which led to my eventual burnout. 

Don’t be like me. Instead, use your calendar to block off personal time and stick to it. Communicate your boundaries with your coworkers to set expectations and even act as an accountability partner for you.

2. Strive for Work-Life Harmony

Work-life balance seems like a dream and out-of-reach, but harmony is more achievable. Instead of striving for perfection to find the ‘right’ way to attribute time to work and then your personal life, aim to integrate work and personal priorities in ways that work for you.

After returning from a previous holiday break, I realized I was most productive when I completed my hardest work in the mornings. I didn’t mind working early to get a head start on the day. I scheduled more of my enjoyable meetings and work tasks in the afternoon during my lull of energy. I would also take more short breaks to stretch my legs, drink more water, get some fresh air, or complete personal short tasks. This approach helped me be productive at work, stay energized, and still make time to reach some of my personal goals.

Try to start your week by identifying your top three priorities at work and home. Schedule time for both to ensure you’re nurturing all areas of your life.

3. Be Your Authentic Self

During the holidays, we often feel freer to be our true selves. Something about the season encourages us to connect with our uniqueness and share it with others. Why not try to carry that authenticity into your professional life? Being genuine builds trust with your coworkers while boosting your confidence.

I was once someone who felt pressure to hide my personality at work. I didn’t understand how I was supposed to be able to be my true self at work. Wasn’t that different from what is considered professional? Well, eventually I learned to share parts of myself that I wanted to connect with others on, and I found a way to be authentic and maintain professional relationships. 

My advice to you is to start small. Share a personal win or an interest during your next team meeting. Authenticity inspires connection and fosters a positive workplace culture.

Happiness doesn’t have to end with the holidays. Which of these tips will you try first? Let’s keep the cheer alive together! Share your favorite strategies for staying happy at work in the comments, or tag a colleague who could use a boost.