A Guide to a Pain-Free Q1

Okay, let’s face it… January second is the most ultimate Monday that has ever Monday-ed.

After time with loved ones, indulging in merriment, enjoying family arts and crafts and leaving the worries of work behind, we naturally slide into the more free-wheeling, right-brained way of doing things. That’s why you may feel a little foggy on your first few days back. Luckily, we have the answer. Here are some ways to help pave the runway for a softer landing in 2020:

Strategize Your Task List

Divide your to-do list into projects/campaigns, strategies/initiatives, and tasks. Tasks can range from simpler admin jobs to complex project management. Make this list before returning to work after your holiday festivities. By committing this list to paper or screen, it can leave your restless mind and become reality—helping you actually get some sleep the night before returning to work. New, urgent tasks can be filtered into the appropriate category and do not have to disrupt your routine. Creating a divide between categories encourages clear prioritization, while separating tasks can allow you to take a break and tackle the easy wins—giving you the extra self-motivation that comes with accomplishment.

Change Your Fiscal

This may not be a change you can easily make,  but certainly something you can campaign for! Many Fortune 100 companies hold their own fiscal years that are not bound by the calendar year. This allows a more streamlined transition into January that doesn’t have the same financial crunch of the pre-holiday invoicing and post-holiday accruals and balancing.  

Treat Yourself

January is considered to be the most depressing month of the year. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season leaves little time for self-reflection which can translate into feelings of chaos or stress. Treat yourself by giving yourself time to recover—prioritize ‘me’ time, say no to a few things you don’t want to do and take time to journal or discuss things you’ve learned over the year. This quantifies both positive and negative and encourages thought on turning stress into learning opportunities.

Drink Water

It’s obvious, but it really helps! Your brain is composed of about 73% water and staying hydrated can ease your entire body. It has also been shown to decrease some types of stress!