Keep the Holiday Vibe Alive

That magical holiday feeling has a way of disappearing the moment your alarm clock goes off for the first day back. One minute you're relaxed, recharging, and living in the moment, and the next you're back in the office, answering emails, and navigating the rush of daily life.

The good news is, you don't have to leave that feeling behind. You can intentionally bring those moments of calm and joy into your regular routine. It's not about taking another vacation; it's about learning to access that feeling on demand.

Here are a few science-backed tricks to help you hold on to that holiday calm and carry it with you all year round.

1. The 90-Second Rule

During your vacation, you probably weren't thinking about deadlines or to-do lists. You were present. And while you can't be on vacation forever, you can give your brain short breaks that mimic that feeling.

This is where the 90-second rule, popularized by neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, comes in. She explains that when you feel an emotion—like stress, frustration, or even post-holiday blues—the chemical cascade it triggers in your body only lasts about 90 seconds. After that, any lingering feeling is a choice to keep thinking about what triggered it.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by a looming deadline, try this:

• Pause for 90 seconds. Step away from your desk, close your eyes, and just observe the feeling without judgment.

• Notice it, don't fight it. Acknowledge the stress or frustration. Don't try to push it away.

• Breathe through it. As you breathe, remind yourself that this feeling will pass.

  After 90 seconds, the initial chemical reaction has subsided, and you can choose how to move forward. This simple act gives your brain a chance to reset, just like it did on vacation.

2. The Power of a Psychological Sigh

Remember that deep, satisfying breath you take after a relaxing meal or a day on the beach? That's a psychological sigh, and it's a powerful tool for de-stressing.

A psychological sigh is an automatic breathing pattern that our nervous system uses to relieve tension. It’s been shown to reduce stress, lower your heart rate, and bring a sense of calm. The best part? You can do it anytime, anywhere.

Here's how to do it:

• Inhale deeply through your nose, then take a second, shorter sip of air on top of that inhale. You'll feel your lungs fully expand.

• Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth, as if you're letting go of all the tension in your body.

• Repeat this two or three times.

This simple technique can instantly calm your nervous system, giving you a moment of vacation-like peace right in the middle of a busy workday.

3. Step Outside

A big part of the holiday feeling is being in a new environment, often a natural one. You walked on the beach, hiked in the mountains, or simply spent time in a park. Nature has a way of resetting our nervous system, but you don't need to be in a national park to get the benefits.

Try to find moments to connect with the outdoors, no matter how small:

• Take your coffee or lunch break outside. Even five minutes of fresh air can make a difference.

• Walk a lap around the building or to a nearby park.

• Place a plant on your desk or open a window to let in some fresh air.

• Take a moment to notice the weather—the sun on your face, the sound of the wind.

These tiny moments of connection to nature can bring a sense of peace and groundedness that’s usually reserved for vacation.

4. Break the Back-to-Back Cycle

It's easy to fall into a schedule of back-to-back meetings, leaving no time to think, breathe, or even grab a glass of water. This creates a feeling of being constantly "on" and can quickly lead to burnout.

You can intentionally build in small pockets of breathing room:

• Block out time in your calendar. If you're a meeting organizer, end meetings 5-10 minutes early so people have a break. If you're an attendee, add a travel buffer between meetings.

• Use a micro-break. Between tasks or meetings, stand up and stretch, walk to the kitchen for a drink, or simply close your eyes for 60 seconds.

• Listen to a song. Put on your favorite relaxing track and just sit with it. It’s a great way to transition from one task to the next.

These small pauses help you regain control of your day and feel more human and less like a machine.

5. Reclaim Your Time: Schedule "Holiday Moments"

On vacation, your schedule is your own. You do things that bring you joy. When you get back to work, your calendar fills up with meetings and deadlines. But what if you could schedule in moments of joy, too?

Start by blocking out a few 15-minute slots in your calendar each week for "Me Time." Treat these blocks like non-negotiable meetings. Use them to:

• Listen to a podcast while walking around the block.

• Enjoy a cup of coffee without multitasking.

• Spend a few minutes journaling about something you're grateful for.

These small, scheduled moments can add up, making you feel more in control of your time and reintroducing a sense of play and freedom into your week.

Returning to the office doesn't have to mean leaving your vacation self behind. By incorporating small, intentional habits, you can keep that feeling of calm and presence alive all year long.