How to Ease Yourself Back into Studying After the Christmas Holidays

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By Zayna Dar, Founder, Shuhari Tuition

The Christmas holidays are a welcome break from early mornings and constant deadlines. But when January rolls around, you might notice work that once felt manageable now feels harder to start. You may get easily distracted or feel frustrated trying to get back into study mode. 

This transition can be challenging, but it’s entirely normal. More than snapping back into being productive overnight, the goal should be to ease yourself back into the school routine in a way that feels manageable and sustainable.

Why getting back to studying feels hard

After several weeks of relaxed routines, late nights, and reduced workload, your brain needs time to switch gears. Research into habit formation and cognitive load shows that abrupt transitions increase stress and reduce motivation for both adults and students. Periods of rest lower the brain’s baseline demand for sustained attention, which means focus has to be rebuilt gradually.

Expecting yourself to return immediately to the same level of academic intensity is unrealistic and can trigger anxiety. Recognising that this adjustment period is part of the process helps you respond with patience and quietens your inner critic, which might be telling you that you’re not working hard enough.

Rebuild routine gradually

One of the most effective ways to get back into the study zone is to reintroduce structure slowly. Begin with a regular sleep routine, then start blocking out dedicated time for homework and revision. These sessions don’t need to be long. Even 20–30 minutes of focused work helps retrain your brain to associate certain times of the day with concentration.

At this stage, consistency matters more than the number of hours you’re putting in. Routine creates a sense of predictability, making it easier to reengage with learning. When your day is planned, your brain spends less energy deciding when to work and more energy actually doing it.

Start with achievable wins

Motivation usually follows action, not the other way round. Instead of starting with the subjects you dislike most, begin with tasks you feel more confident tackling. This could mean revisiting content you’ve already covered in class or doing a small set of practice questions.

These early wins build confidence and momentum, making it easier to move on to harder material. Feeling in control and capable is key to building a sustainable workflow, especially as the volume of schoolwork you receive ramps up.

Create a clear boundary between rest and study

During the holidays, the line between rest and work often blurs. Re-establishing that boundary matters. A dedicated study space, even just sitting at your desk, signals to your brain that it’s time to focus. Environmental cues play an important role in how focused you feel, often more than willpower alone.

Set clear start and end times for studying, shorter than usual at first. Knowing there’s a finish line makes schoolwork feel less overwhelming and helps you engage more fully. Breaks and small rewards also help, giving you something to look forward to after each study block.

Trust the process

January often comes with talk of targets, exams, and performance, which can heighten stress. Instead of fixating on outcomes, focus on habits and processes first. Give yourself credit for showing up and staying consistent. When you feel supported instead of judged (even by yourself), you’re more likely to rebuild positive study habits. Progress during this period is often subtle, but small changes compound over time.

Incorporate movement and balance into your routine

Physical movement plays a big role in focus and emotional regulation. Regular activity, sports, walks, stretching, or anything that gets you moving helps reduce restlessness and improves concentration when you sit down to work.

Equally important is making time for hobbies and social activities. Studying shouldn’t feel like a punishment for enjoying your break. Balance is what makes routines stick. Students who set aside time for rest and enjoyment often sustain focus for longer during the term.

Be realistic about the adjustment period

Getting back into study mode doesn’t happen instantly. Some people need a few days, others a few weeks. It’s not an indicator of laziness or a lack of discipline, it’s your brain recalibrating after rest, and it can help prevent burnout later on. Avoid comparing yourself to others and allow yourself to settle back into learning at your own pace.

A confident return to learning

Returning to school after Christmas, especially with the onset of winter, can be difficult, and it’s completely normal for it to take time to adjust to the new routine. It’s important to be kind to yourself as you find your rhythm again. When expectations are realistic and routines are rebuilt steadily, focus and motivation begin to return naturally. Approaching the new term with patience and self-awareness helps you settle back into studying in a way that feels sustainable.