The Mid-Winter Slump: How to Get Through it and Maintain Your Momentum

“A couple months ago, I was running 10 errands a day, hosting and attending party after party, wrapping gifts like crazy, and baking cookies–and I still had energy left when it was bedtime! Now I can barely respond to five emails before the couch starts calling.”

We get it! After the first couple weeks of January, the holiday cheer starts to wear off. (Some say it’s more like a nosedive!) Indeed, by February, many people notice that their motivation has dipped at least a little (and often a lot). The holiday glow has long since faded, the fresh-start energy of January has worn off, winter routines feel repetitive, and spring still seems light years away. This dip in energy and enthusiasm is common, yet it often brings self-criticism. People may tell themselves they should be doing more, trying harder, or feeling better by now, which can add emotional strain to an already tiring season.

There are practical reasons why late January and early February feel heavy. Shorter daylight hours can affect mood and energy, and the pace of life often picks up again after the holidays. When expectations stay high but emotional and physical resources are lower, motivation naturally suffers. Rather than viewing this as a personal failure, it can be helpful to understand it as a predictable response to environmental and seasonal factors.

Responding with self-kindness to your mid-winter slump often means adjusting expectations instead of pushing harder. This might look like breaking tasks into smaller steps, prioritizing rest, or letting “good enough” be sufficient for now. Gentle structure, such as maintaining regular sleep and meal times, can provide stability without pressure. Even small acts of self-care can help rebuild momentum over time.

In therapy, many people find relief in learning to recognize these patterns without judgment. Understanding when and why motivation dips can help individuals respond with compassion rather than criticism. If the beginning of 2026 feels especially heavy, our team is happy to help you explore supportive strategies and regain a sense of balance. We look forward to hearing from you.