Behavioral Grooves Podcast January Blues? How to Rest, Reflect, and Restart
Jan 22, 2026
Discover why January can feel like a slump and the behavioral science behind post-holiday drops in motivation. Hear why reflecting before resetting helps and why taking a week or two to recharge matters. Learn how managers can spot low energy and why short milestones and brain breaks rebuild momentum quickly.
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January Slump Is Biologically And Socially Real
- January feels like a slump because we've just finished an intense, emotionally charged holiday period and our energy naturally drops.
- Tim Houlihan and Kurt Nelson note the new-year fresh-start is real but follows a period that invites recovery and reflection.
Pause Before Planning
- Take a few days to a couple of weeks after the holidays to reflect and let your brain regenerate before plunging into year-long plans.
- Kurt Nelson recommends using that time for self-reflection about where you've been and what matters before setting goals.
Schedule Regular Brain Breaks
- Give employees downtime and plan for short 'brain breaks' throughout the day to recharge cognitive resources.
- Tim Houlihan highlights 5-minute breaks every 90 minutes or a 15-minute disengagement to improve focus and performance.