It’s okay if you’re struggling to get back to work this week.

Memories of the brief taste of normalcy we had last year, quickly ripped away by the newest variant.

The end of a holiday season filled with the disappointment of yet again missing out on those lifelong, beloved traditions with family.

The start of year three of a global pandemic. In high school terms, that’s junior year!

Worry for the health of your loved ones, and yourself.

Wonder about what lies ahead for the new year.

A looming calendar of Zoom meetings.

The much anticipated return to a regular office schedule, or yet another delay?

These are just some of the thoughts floating around my brain — and I imagine they’re floating around the brains of others, too. On top of it, it’s back to work, and back to school for kids; it’s picking up the fragmented pieces of a “to do” list from 2021 that was never really well thought out in the first place because my mind was so burnt out by the end of the year.

If you, like me, are being hard on yourself about not having the motivation or energy you expected this week — think back to that list, which is only just a starting point for the many things our minds are balancing right now, and remember this:

It’s okay to just not feel like it.

It’s okay to want to get your job done and that’s it, and not go above and beyond right now.

It’s okay to take a break during your work day — or many.

It’s okay to admit that you’re not feeling your best, mentally.

You’re not the only one, and you might just encourage those around you to admit the same.