Five simple tips to overcome post-holiday blues and transition back to class
By Lena Garrard | Staff writer
For many, the holidays are a festive time filled with family, relaxation, parties, and tasty food. However, for others, the season can be draining and stressful. Either situation can make it challenging for college students to return to classes in January.
“It’s definitely been hard coming back to school after a long holiday,” said Daniela Harris, a nonprofit management major at Augusta University. “One second I was spending all my time with friends and family, and now I’m adjusting to a brand-new schedule. I really have to prepare myself for the jump, or else it can be a hard season to get through.”
Winter break often feels just long enough to settle into a new rhythm, but short enough to leave students longing for more time off.
Fortunately, for those struggling with post-holiday blues and adjusting to the Spring semester, there are ways to ease the transition.
Dr. Jessica Britt-Thomas, an Associate Professor with dual appointment in Family and Community Medicine and Psychiatry and Health Behavior at Augusta University, and associate training director for the AU/MCG Doctoral Psychology Internship Program, offers five simple tips to help students succeed.
The first tip is to set small, attainable goals. Dr. Britt-Thomas advises students to “prioritize tasks by urgency and importance” and to “celebrate small wins.”
In addition to goal setting, re-establishing a routine is essential. “Holidays often disrupt daily schedules, so focus on restoring a consistent routine,” she said. “This helps regulate your internal clock and reduces decision fatigue.”
Dr. Britt-Thomas also encourages students to incorporate short mental breaks, or “resets,” into study sessions. “After an extended break, it’s common to feel mentally drained when re-engaging with academic work,” she said. To stay efficient and sharpen focus, she suggests activities such as stretching, deep breathing, or stepping outside. She also recommends the Pomodoro technique, which alternates 25 minutes of focused work with 5-minute breaks.
Another key tip is to practice self-compassion. “Post-holiday guilt about being 'behind' can creep in,” Dr. Britt-Thomas said. “Remember that productivity isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Speak to yourself with compassion as you adjust.”
To reinforce this mindset, she suggests reminding yourself, “It’s okay to need time to get back on track. I’m building consistency, not perfection.”
Finally, Dr. Britt-Thomas encourages students to reconnect with their purpose. “Holidays can temporarily disconnect you from your academic purpose,” she said. “Take time to reflect on your long-term goals and values to reignite motivation. Write down your academic and personal goals to visualize the big picture and remind yourself of your ‘why.’”
For students grappling with post-holiday blues, seasonal depression, or difficulty transitioning back into academic life, it’s important to know they are not alone.
Overcoming these feelings isn’t always easy, but with these five tips and support from friends and family, students can confidently approach the Spring semester with fresh motivation and success.
Contact Lena Garrard at legarrard@augusta.edu
