The clock's ticking down, folks! The final whistle of the holiday season is about to blow, and for many, the thought of trading eggnog for spreadsheets is enough to make you want to call a timeout. But fear not, because just like a seasoned quarterback leading a comeback drive, you can strategize your return to the workplace and avoid a Monday morning fumble.

Remember that feeling after the Patriots' Super Bowl LI comeback against the Falcons? Pure elation, right? Now, contrast that with the sinking feeling after a last-second field goal loss. That's the difference between a well-managed return to work and a disastrous one. The key is preparation, much like a coach studying game film.

The post-Christmas slump is a league-wide phenomenon. It's the fourth quarter of the year-end break, and fatigue is setting in. After weeks of indulging in festive feasts and family fun, the thought of tackling deadlines and demanding bosses can feel like facing a defensive line of All-Pros. But just as teams adjust their game plans, you too can adjust your mindset.

Beth Hope, an executive coach, serves as our sideline analyst here, explaining that the dreaded "Sunday scaries" are a common ailment, a form of anticipatory stress where your brain is already bracing for the Monday onslaught. "Sunday blues are very common and usually come from anticipatory stress, where the brain predicts a high demand on Monday and activates the stress response early," Hope explains. It's like knowing you're facing a star wide receiver on Monday, and the anxiety starts creeping in on Sunday.

Hope's advice? Create a "gentle bridge" between the weekend and work mode. Think of it as a series of short passes to get your offense moving. Planning Monday's top priority on Friday afternoon is like calling the right play before the snap. It gives you a clear target and reduces the uncertainty that fuels anxiety.

Consider this: Michael Jordan didn't just show up on game day and dominate. He practiced, he strategized, he visualized success. Similarly, you can mentally prepare for your return to work. Visualize yourself tackling your tasks with efficiency and confidence. Remember past successes and draw strength from them.

The return to work doesn't have to be a painful defeat. With a little planning and a shift in mindset, you can turn it into a victory. So, huddle up, create your game plan, and get ready to score some goals in the new year. The clock is ticking, but the game is far from over.