Wired but Weary: Why Post-Holiday Angst Can Be a Gift
Unlocking Realignment in a Business Designed by You
Welcome back!
For some, the days after the Fourth of July can feel a little heavier. Re-entry isn’t just about catching up on emails—it’s about catching up with yourself. It’s normal to feel unsettled, especially if you’re out of alignment with the way you run your business.
Here’s what’s really going on: your brain’s autopilot has been enabled.
You’ve heard all the buzz about autonomous vehicles? Self-driving? Ya - your brain has that feature, too. The amygdala (your brain’s built-in alarm system) evolved to scan for danger and trigger your fight-or-flight response. Centuries ago, that hyper-vigilance kept us alive. Today, the same wiring can make Monday morning after a holiday feel like a jungle full of threats—most of which exist only in our heads.
Why does this happen?
The prefrontal cortex (the rational, planning part of your brain) and the amygdala are in a tug-of-war. When the amygdala takes over, we stew about things that rarely come true: What if I’ve lost my momentum? What do others think? What if I fall behind? Research shows that the vast majority of our worries never become reality, but the cost of staying stuck in “fight or flight” is real—burnout, anxiety, and feeling perpetually out of sync.
This week, try this:
Notice when your amygdala is running the show. Racing heart? Catastrophic thinking? That’s your ancient circuitry, not your future.
Pause. Give your prefrontal cortex a chance to regain control by naming your worry. (“I’m worried they will blame me, not the market.”) Or give clarity to conflict (How is it that I have zero motivation to do what my business plan says, and yet, I want to build a business I love?)
Re-align. Ask yourself: Is this fear actually true? Is it a pattern whenever I return from time away? What does my clearest, most intentional self say about my business and my value? Does my calendar reflect my core values? Are these the clients I want to serve?
Remember: this industry gives you the power to run your business however you’d like. If you show up Monday, tired but wired—simply notice it. Then give yourself permission (and dedicated time) to explore what alignment may look like.
Here’s to a week of re-entry. You’ve got this.
