Finding Rhythm Again

I have had a number of conversations with friends and family about the recent Christmas break and many have had a number of days off for the holidays but now need to go back to work. Some have taken trips and are just getting back. Some lost a family member and had to travel for services. Everyone spent time with family and friends and had to say goodbye to them at some point or maybe are sending children back to school, so emotionally, a lot of people are spent and longing for a return to those precious moments.

Fortunately, I am retired and don’t have a full work load to go back to-I don’t consider coaching to be a full load! I am thankful for a lessened load as personally, the last two weeks have been a “pain” as I was knocked down by illness for 4 days over Christmas and then injured my need/back somehow last week and have been in quite a bit of pain this week. But enough of that…..

I remember well going back to work and a routine after a break. There’s something about the first full week back after a break that feels heavier than we expect. For most people, the rest was good, the time away was needed., but the transition back into early mornings, responsibilities, and expectations can feel overwhelming.. It doesn’t matter how much you enjoy your work or how grateful you are for it—re-entry is still hard.

In sports, the first practice back after time off is almost always awkward. This year, my team’s first practice was cancelled by weather so our first time back was a scrimmage! As you can imagine, timing was a bit off, conditioning wasn’t quite there, and plays from a week ago that were once engrained in players minds were forgotten. There was no reason for us coaches to panic, and players didn’t expect perfection. Everyone understands that it takes a few reps to find rhythm again. It all worked out as we came back on Friday with our first game (at the Casey’s Center in Des Moines on a big court!) and got a big win over a one loss team!

Life works the same way.

For those of you going back to work this week, it isn’t about being at your best. It’s about showing up, re-establishing routine, and giving yourself the grace to ease back in. For teachers, coaches, parents, and professionals alike, the challenge is remembering that progress doesn’t require a sprint out of the gate. Consistency matters more than intensity right now. Remember that everyone you are with is feeling the same emotions and leaning on the relationships with those closest to you and know your situation can help you work through the emotions and get back into a groove.

Instead of asking, “Why don’t I feel fully ready?” a better question might be, “What’s the next small step?” Maybe it is starting with one positive interaction or a productive hour which helps lead to a good day. Just like in sports, momentum builds through repetition, being where your feet are, and moving on to the next play without the pressure of being perfect.

If the start of your week feels draining or even somewhat depressing, that doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re human. Your “normal” will return-energy will come back, and the past will be in the rearview mirror. The key is to connect with others and do something to help them get back on track as well. Helping others always makes our problems seem less important!

Sometimes the most important win is simply getting back on the floor, running the first play, and trusting that the rest will come. Good luck to those starting back to work and starting anew in 2026!

Have a great week!

Coach K