When the Return Feels Heavy

This week, many people are returning to work.
And in conversations I’ve had, one thing stands out — very few people talk about feeling excited.
Instead, there’s a quiet undercurrent of stress. A tightening in the chest. A sense of dread creeping in before the week has even begun.

After the busyness and emotional weight of Christmas and New Year, the return can feel even heavier.

For some, it shows up the night before — restless sleep, waking frequently, the mind already rehearsing the day ahead.

Returning to routine can take a real toll on the psyche. The mental load ramps up quickly — schedules, expectations, responsibilities — often before we’ve had a chance to settle ourselves.

And when someone suggests “take a moment for yourself,”  it can feel laughable.
I get that. In my profession, there were days when even eating or using the bathroom felt like a luxury.

But if I could speak to my younger self now, I would tell her this:

Taking those moments for yourself matter.
Even the small ones.

If it’s just closing your eyes for a few seconds.
Taking one slow, intentional breath.
Letting your shoulders drop while you’re sitting in the car.
Bringing to mind a place that feels calm and safe — if only for a moment.

These pauses won’t change the system you’re returning to.
But they can change how you move through it.

Rest doesn’t have to be long to be meaningful.
Caring for yourself doesn’t mean doing more. Sometimes it’s just allowing a brief pause in the middle of a busy day.

As you head back into your days, may you find one small moment that’s just for you.
And may that be enough to carry you forward.

~ Rhonda ~

Before the day begins, pause for a moment. Gently ask yourself:
Where in my day could I allow myself one slow breath?

And later, when the day is done, reflect on:
What helped me get through today — even in a small way?