When Routine Feels Like a Drag
“Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life.”
— Robin Sharma
The holidays are over, and the festive magic that once lit up your days now feels like a distant memory. The twinkling lights have come down, the leftover cookies are gone (or maybe you’ve sworn them off), and the cozy mornings with no alarms have been replaced with the grind of reality. Hello, post-holiday slump!
Returning to routine after weeks of celebrations can feel, well, uninspiring. Suddenly, doing laundry, answering emails, or meal-prepping doesn’t exactly scream “joy.” But here’s the thing: routines don’t have to feel like the soggy leftovers of a once-glorious feast. With a little reframing, even the most mundane tasks can carry a sense of purpose—and yes, even joy.
Holidays give us something to look forward to—special meals, time with loved ones, or just the excitement of breaking from the norm. But when the decorations are boxed away, life seems to hit the brakes on excitement. It's not just that the "fun" is over, it's also the shift from indulgence to responsibility, from chaos to calm. That contrast can be jarring.
The trick is not to fight the routine but to make it work for you. Instead of longing for the holiday high, consider how you can infuse your daily life with small doses of joy and meaning.
6 (Quick) Q-Tips to Reignite Motivation in Everyday
1. Acknowledge The Shift
First things first: give yourself grace. It’s normal to feel a little off-kilter after weeks of indulgence and excitement. Recognize that it’s okay to take your time easing back into reality.
2. Refresh Your Space
Clear out lingering holiday clutter and make your space feel inviting again. Swap out the glittering décor for cozy, calming touches—soft lighting, warm blankets, or even a new plant. A fresh environment can set the tone for a fresh mindset.
3. Ease Into Routine—Don’t Rush
Resist the urge to dive back into a packed schedule. Start with a few key tasks and build from there. This slow reentry helps you avoid burnout and keeps you motivated.
4. Focus on the Present Moment
This one’s harder than it sounds but incredibly rewarding. Instead of wishing you were anywhere but here, lean into the moment. Notice the details: the rhythm of chopping vegetables, the warmth of sunlight through the window as you work. Presence is a powerful antidote to monotony.
5. Set Your Intentions
Rather than clinging to resolutions, focus on intentions. What do you want to feel, learn, or experience this year? Aligning your routine with these goals makes daily life feel more purposeful. I love to focus on at least one new place to visit (near or far). Not only does it give me something to look forward to but the planning and research alone bring me joy.
6. Try Something New Every Day
Even the smallest change can reignite your motivation. It could be as simple as taking a different route to work, adding something positive to your morning routine, trying a new recipe, checking out a new cafe, or exploring a hobby you've always been curious about. These small daily experiments can bring a sense of adventure to your routine, boost creativity, and remind you that every day holds opportunities for growth and discovery.
Let’s be real—if you’re approaching 2025 with the same routines and habits as 2024, it’s just another year with a new number. True change happens when we rethink how we approach our everyday lives. By shifting our mindset, we turn the "ordinary" into something extraordinary.
Routines are the building blocks of our lives. They can weigh us down, or they can lift us up. The choice is ours.
As you navigate the weeks after the holiday high, remember: life isn’t all grand celebrations. It’s the sum of small, meaningful moments that define your days. Embrace the ebb and flow. Find joy in the routine, purpose in the mundane, and gratitude for the simple act of showing up.
Because when we learn to love the everyday, we create a life that feels rich and full—not just during the holidays, but all year long.
Here’s to finding joy in the journey and purpose in the process.
P.S. I’ve also created a freebie to help you set intentions as a family. Get your freebie here….
