Why Does Going Back to Work After the Holidays Feel So Hard?
The holidays are over. The decorations are coming down. And that alarm clock Monday morning? It feels brutal.
If you're dreading the return to work, you're not alone. That heavy feeling in your chest isn't weakness. It's actually pretty common—and there are real reasons behind it.
Why Is It So Hard to Go Back to Work After the Holidays?
The post-holiday slump happens because your brain and body got used to a different pace. You slept in. You spent time with people you love. You weren't answering emails at 10 p.m. Now your nervous system has to shift back—and it doesn't want to.
There are a few things that might be driving that reluctance to head back to the office.
You genuinely enjoyed the break. Maybe the holidays gave you something you've been missing—quality time with family, rest, or just permission to slow down. Going back means giving that up. It makes sense that feels hard.
You're running on empty. If you went into the holidays already exhausted, a week or two off probably wasn't enough to recover. That dread might be your body saying, "I needed more than this."
Something at work isn't sitting right. Sometimes the contrast of being away makes it clearer that something is off. Maybe it's your workload, a difficult coworker, or the creeping sense that you're in the wrong role. The holidays gave you space from it—and now it's back.
Your nervous system got a reset. For high achievers especially, time off can feel disorienting. You finally relaxed. And now your body is resisting the return to stress mode.
Is This Normal—Or Is It Something More?
A few days of adjustment is normal. Most people feel a little sluggish that first week back. But if the dread feels overwhelming, or if you've felt this way for months, it might be worth looking deeper.
Sometimes what feels like "I just don't want to go to work" is actually burnout, anxiety, or even depression. These don't always look dramatic. Sometimes they just look like exhaustion, irritability, or feeling disconnected from work you used to care about.
If you've noticed that vacations don't seem to help anymore—or that the relief you feel on Friday disappears by Sunday night—that's worth paying attention to.
What Can You Do to Make the Transition Easier?
You don't have to white-knuckle your way through January. Here are some practical ways to ease back in.
Reconnect with your "why." When work feels like a grind, it helps to remember why you chose this path in the first place. What drew you to your profession? What parts of it still matter to you? Even a quick mental check-in can shift your perspective.
Give yourself something to look forward to after work. The return feels harder when it's all obligation and no reward. Plan something small but enjoyable for after work—dinner with a friend, your favorite show, a walk outside. It helps your brain see that the day has an ending.
Take short breaks during the day. You don't have to power through eight hours straight. Step away from your desk. Get outside for five minutes. Let your nervous system regulate instead of staying in overdrive.
Pack something nice in your lunch. This sounds small, but it matters. Bringing something you actually enjoy eating—or treating yourself to a good coffee—adds a small moment of pleasure to an otherwise demanding day.
Do something kind for someone else. Research shows that helping others boosts our own mood. It doesn't have to be big. Send an encouraging message to a coworker. Offer to grab someone a coffee. Small acts of connection can shift how the whole day feels.
When Should You Talk to Someone About It?
If you've been dreading work for a while—not just after the holidays, but most of the time—it might be time to dig deeper.
Therapy can help you figure out whether this is burnout, anxiety, or something else. It can also help you build skills to manage stress, set boundaries, and reconnect with what matters to you.
For busy professionals in the Kansas City area, our Lee's Summit office offers daytime appointments that fit around demanding schedules. We also offer online therapy throughout Missouri if that's easier.
You don't have to keep pushing through. If work has felt heavy for a while, reaching out is a good first step.
Related reading:
High-Functioning Anxiety: When You Look "Fine" But Feel Constantly On Edge
Is It Burnout or Something Deeper? How to Tell When Rest Isn't Enough
If you're a working professional in Lee's Summit, Kansas City, or anywhere in Missouri struggling with stress, anxiety, or burnout, our therapists can help. Reach out to our client care team to find a therapist who fits your needs and schedule.
