How to Regain Your Focus After the Holidays, According to Psychologists

Planning something new and exciting can get you invigorated to lean into your life, Taylor said. Thinking about what you need to do now to be in a great place to take that vacation can really help with beating post-holiday blues.

“Practicing gratitude is very helpful but not in a hit-and-run way,” Sanford said. It is more helpful if a person spends some time reflecting on why he or she is grateful and how it is meaningful, she added. “Spending time regularly practicing gratitude rewires the brain by gradually shifting what we pay attention to and are aware of.” You get bonus points if you express your gratitude in depth to another person and build it into your home or work culture, she added.