Post-Pesach, Now What?

Now that Pesach has ended, the world starts to move again, but maybe you’re not quite ready to move with it. Whether your yom tov was meaningful, stressful, lonely, joyful, chaotic, or a mix of everything, transitioning back into routine can feel overwhelming.

There’s often an unspoken pressure to snap right back, to catch up on work, reset your goals,

dive into life. But what if this week looked different?

What if you allowed yourself to re enter gently?

There’s no one way to feel right now.

Some people leave Pesach feeling spiritually uplifted. Others feel disconnected or disappointed. Some loved the rhythm of yom tov. Others found it depleting. And for many, even if parts were beautiful, the intensity of it all; emotionally, socially, logistically, can leave you running on empty.

Wherever you find yourself, it’s valid. You don’t need to “bounce back.” You need to begin again- slowly, intentionally, in a way that honors where you actually are.

Here are a few ways to start grounding yourself again:

Acknowledge, Don’t Avoid

Give yourself five quiet minutes to check in. Ask: What am I feeling right now? What do I need? Let the answers come without judgment or urgency. Practicing mindful awareness, just being with your experience, can regulate your nervous system and reduce the urge to disconnect or push emotions away.

Choose One Thing to Return To

Instead of rushing to restart everything- workouts, emails, structure, choose one small routine to reintroduce. A mindful morning. A daily walk. A bedtime wind down. Grounding yourself in one consistent behavior helps rebuild internal stability and signals safety to your body.

Remember What Felt Good

Even if you tov was difficult in certain ways, were there moments that stood out? A laugh with a sibling? A quiet moment to yourself? A sense of meaning? Mindfulness allows us to notice and savor small, nourishing experiences. Carry forward something that felt grounding, a rhythm, a value, a reminder of what matters.

Let Go of the “Shoulds”

If you’re telling yourself, “I should feel more grateful, I should be more productive by now,”

pause. “Should” often pulls us away from self-compassion and into self-judgment. Try: “What’s realistic for me right now? What’s one thing I can do that feels gentle, not punitive?” Reframing thoughts like this can be powerful and help ourselves regulate emotions.

Make Space for Self-Compassion

Transitions are hard. Whether you’re returning from a holiday, a life change, or even just a

weekend, they can stir up more than expected. If you’re tired, anxious, flat, or out of sorts, meet that part of you with compassion. Remember, emotions aren’t problems to fix. They’re

experiences to notice, validate, and move through with care.

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Growth doesn’t begin with doing more. It begins with presence. With permission to slow down. With the quiet decision to care for yourself, one intentional step at a time.

This week, let yourself land softly. You don’t have to be “back to normal.” You just have to be

here - and from there, you’ll find your way forward.

Wishing everyone a joyful and beautiful week ahead!