[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fRdy4Ph-Pr3_YSRANo4UELfNtlCWM9i03GPoJzUPa93A":3,"$fXfDL8WaLL8unaZu1gD5PMzruN27owRA1Nxb_FJCIUwg":37,"$f-rk7ZW-KdLYuPdFFSMSVuCvTVYf8UK1HuXFkgcp91WE":131},{"data":4,"meta":33},[5,9,13,17,21,25,29],{"id":6,"name":7,"slug":8},1,"Career & Finance","career-and-finance",{"id":10,"name":11,"slug":12},11,"After Hours","after-hours",{"id":14,"name":15,"slug":16},3,"Wellness","wellness",{"id":18,"name":19,"slug":20},12,"Style","style",{"id":22,"name":23,"slug":24},4,"Voices","voices",{"id":26,"name":27,"slug":28},2,"Mindset","mindset",{"id":30,"name":31,"slug":32},10,"Nourish","food",{"pagination":34},{"page":6,"pageSize":35,"pageCount":6,"total":36},25,7,{"data":38,"meta":129},[39],{"id":40,"title":41,"createdAt":42,"updatedAt":43,"publishedAt":44,"content":45,"slug":46,"coffees":22,"seo_title":41,"keywords":47,"seo_desc":48,"featuredImage":49,"category":97,"author":101,"img":128},216,"How to Manage Holiday Depression: 12 Expert-Backed Strategies That Actually Work","2024-12-20T01:38:37.339Z","2025-12-01T18:53:48.850Z","2024-12-20T01:43:57.001Z","\u003Cp>The holiday season is marketed as the most wonderful time of the year—a montage of twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and picture-perfect moments with people you love. But if you've ever felt a wave of sadness wash over you while everyone around you seems impossibly cheerful, you're not imagining things. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhealth.clevelandclinic.org\u002Fholiday-depression-and-stress\">Holiday depression is real\u003C\u002Fa>, it's common, and most importantly, it's manageable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.apa.org\u002Fnews\u002Fpress\u002Freleases\u002F2023\u002F11\u002Fholiday-season-stress\">Research suggests\u003C\u002Fa> that approximately 64% of people with mental health conditions report that the holidays make their symptoms worse, while 38% of people experience increased stress during this season regardless of their mental health history. The gap between the idealized version of the holidays and our actual experience can feel enormous—and that dissonance takes a real toll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether you're navigating grief, family tension, financial pressure, or simply the weight of unrealistic expectations, this guide is here to help you protect your mental health and find moments of genuine peace this season.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch1>What Is Holiday Depression?\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>Holiday depression is a temporary form of depression that typically emerges during the holiday season—roughly from late November through early January. Unlike clinical depression, which can occur at any time and often requires ongoing treatment, holiday depression is usually tied to specific seasonal triggers and tends to lift once the holidays pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to mental health professionals, common triggers include unrealistic expectations fueled by media and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fdo-social-media-and-influencers-damage-our-body-image\">social media\u003C\u002Fa>, financial strain from gift-giving and travel, painful memories or grief that resurface during family-centered celebrations, strained relationships with relatives, social isolation for those without close family connections, and disrupted routines, including sleep schedules and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fstress-and-eating-habits\">eating patterns\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The symptoms often mirror those of clinical depression but are generally less severe and shorter in duration. You might experience persistent sadness or a sense of hopelessness, fatigue and low energy despite getting adequate sleep, loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, increased irritability or anxiety, and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F7-ways-to-improve-concentration-in-everything-you-do\">difficulty concentrating\u003C\u002Fa> on daily tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch1>Holiday Blues vs. Clinical Depression: Understanding the Difference\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>It's important to distinguish between holiday blues and clinical depression because they require different approaches. The holiday blues involve temporary feelings of sadness or stress linked to specific holiday stressors—they're unpleasant, but you can typically still manage your daily responsibilities, and the feelings improve after the season ends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clinical depression, on the other hand, is a serious mental health condition that persists regardless of the season. It significantly disrupts daily functioning, can last for weeks or months, and often requires professional treatment, including therapy or medication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another condition to be aware of is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is tied to reduced sunlight during winter months. According to healthcare providers, SAD affects roughly 1 in 10 people in northern regions, compared to about 1 in 100 in areas with more year-round sunlight. While holiday depression and SAD can overlap, they're distinct conditions—SAD follows a predictable seasonal pattern regardless of holiday timing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch1>12 Expert-Backed Strategies to Manage Holiday Depression\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Ch2>1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Without Judgment\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The first step toward managing holiday depression is giving yourself permission to feel whatever you're feeling—without guilt. The pressure to be happy simply because it's "supposed to be" a joyful time only compounds the problem. Mental health experts emphasize that accepting your emotions without self-criticism is foundational to managing them effectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Try this: Instead of fighting your emotions, name them. "I'm feeling lonely right now" or "I'm overwhelmed by expectations" can help you process feelings rather than suppress them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>2. Set Realistic Expectations\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Social media and advertising create an illusion of holiday perfection—matching pajamas, flawless dinner spreads, and families that seem to genuinely enjoy every moment together. The reality rarely matches this fantasy, and chasing it sets you up for disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ask yourself: What do I actually want from this season? What would feel meaningful to me? Focus on one or two priorities rather than trying to create a Hallmark movie. A smaller, more \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fintenional-living\">intentional\u003C\u002Fa> celebration often brings more genuine joy than an elaborate production that leaves you exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>3. Create a Holiday Budget—and Stick to It\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fholiday_depression_2b9a51ab93.jpg\" alt=\"woman on the floor sad\">\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Financial stress is one of the leading contributors to holiday depression. The pressure to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fchristmas-gift-exchange-an-ode-to-consumerism\">exchange gifts\u003C\u002Fa>, host gatherings, and travel can create debt that haunts you well into the new year. According to financial wellness research, overspending during the holidays frequently leads to depression when bills arrive in January.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consider alternatives like Secret Santa gift exchanges instead of buying for everyone, handmade or experience-based gifts that carry personal meaning, or honest conversations with family about scaling back expectations. Your financial peace of mind is worth more than any gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>4. Set Boundaries (and Honor Them)\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>You don't have to attend every party, accept every invitation, or spend time with people who drain your energy. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fhow-to-set-and-preserve-boundaries\">Setting boundaries\u003C\u002Fa> isn't selfish—it's essential for protecting your mental health.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mental health professionals emphasize that it's okay to turn down events and invitations that feel triggering, and to say yes only to things that genuinely bring you joy. If certain family members consistently cause stress, limit your exposure. You can leave gatherings early. You can skip events entirely. Your wellbeing matters more than anyone's expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>5. Prioritize Sleep and Routine\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The holiday season tends to disrupt our normal schedules—late nights, irregular meals, and packed calendars become the norm. But maintaining basic routines is crucial for mental health stability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F5-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important-for-your-physical-and-mental-health\">Lack of sleep\u003C\u002Fa> causes cloudy thinking and irritability, and significantly hampers your ability to cope with everyday stress. Try to maintain consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends and holidays. Your mind will thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>6. Get Moving—Especially Outdoors\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Exercise is one of the most effective natural interventions for depression. Physical activity releases endorphins, reduces stress \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F6-hormonal-changes-that-affect-you-during-fall\">hormones\u003C\u002Fa>, and improves sleep quality. But during the winter months, outdoor exercise offers an additional benefit: exposure to natural sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Research has consistently shown that spending time in nature provides stress relief, better concentration, lower inflammation levels, and improved mental energy. Even a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F9-ways-to-walk-a-bit-more-every-day\">20-minute walk\u003C\u002Fa> during daylight hours can make a meaningful difference in your mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>7. Limit Alcohol Consumption\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Holiday parties and family gatherings often revolve around alcohol, making it tempting to use drinking as a coping mechanism. But alcohol is a depressant that can significantly worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you're already feeling vulnerable, alcohol can amplify negative emotions and disrupt sleep patterns. Consider bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages to gatherings or practice mindful moderation. If you're in recovery, prioritize your sobriety—it's okay to decline events where alcohol is served.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>8. Stay Connected—Even When You Want to Isolate\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Depression tends to make us withdraw from others, but isolation typically worsens symptoms. Maintaining social connections—even small ones—can provide vital support during difficult times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This doesn't mean forcing yourself into overwhelming social situations. Consider scheduling regular phone or video calls with trusted friends, sending holiday cards as a low-pressure way to connect, or joining online communities where you can find support without leaving home. Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to holiday social interactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>9. Create New Traditions That Serve You\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If old traditions no longer bring joy—or actively trigger painful memories—give yourself permission to create new ones. Traditions are meant to enhance our lives, not imprison us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe that means volunteering at a local charity instead of attending a family dinner, starting a solo tradition like a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fbusy-mornings-20-healthy-breakfast-ideas-if-you-don-t-have-time\">special breakfast\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fthe-ultimate-christmas-movie-list\">movie night\u003C\u002Fa>, or creating small rituals that bring you peace. The holidays can be whatever you decide to make them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>10. Practice Mindfulness\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Mindfulness—the practice of staying present without judgment—can be particularly helpful during the emotionally charged holiday season. When you notice yourself spiraling into anxiety about upcoming events or sadness about the past, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fstress-relief-techniques-for-working-women-during-the-holidays\">mindfulness techniques\u003C\u002Fa> can help ground you in the present moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Try simple breathing exercises, guided meditations through apps, or mindful moments during everyday activities like cooking or decorating. Even a few minutes of intentional presence can interrupt negative thought patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>11. Reduce Social Media Exposure\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Social media during the holidays is essentially a highlight reel of everyone's most curated moments. Consuming this content when you're already struggling can intensify feelings of inadequacy and FOMO.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consider setting time limits on social media apps or even doing a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fdigital-detox\">complete digital detox\u003C\u002Fa>, muting accounts that trigger negative comparisons, or taking a complete break during particularly difficult periods. Remember: what you see online is rarely the full picture of anyone's experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>12. Know When to Seek Professional Help\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>While many people can manage holiday depression with self-care strategies, some situations require professional support. Mental health professionals recommend watching for these warning signs: feeling depressed and hopeless more days than not, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, persistent sleep or appetite disturbances, intrusive thoughts that are difficult to manage on your own, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, reaching out to a primary care provider or mental health professional is an important first step. If you're in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24\u002F7 by phone, chat, or text.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch1>Protecting Your Peace This Holiday Season\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>Holiday depression doesn't mean something is wrong with you—it means you're human, navigating a season that comes with real emotional complexity. The gap between cultural expectations and lived reality is significant, and acknowledging that gap is the first step toward managing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Start small. Choose one or two strategies from this guide that resonate with you and implement them consistently. Whether that's setting a firm budget, establishing boundaries with difficult relatives, or simply giving yourself permission to feel however you feel—every small step matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This season, your job isn't to create a perfect holiday. It's to protect your mental health while finding moments of genuine connection and peace. You deserve both.\u003C\u002Fp>\n","is-holiday-depression-manageable","holiday depression, managing holiday stress, holiday blues, seasonal depression, holiday anxiety, coping with holiday depression, holiday mental health","Struggling with holiday depression? You're not alone. Discover 12 research-backed strategies to manage seasonal sadness, set healthy boundaries, and protect your mental health this holiday season.",{"id":50,"name":51,"alternativeText":52,"caption":53,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":56,"hash":92,"ext":58,"mime":61,"size":93,"url":94,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":96,"updatedAt":96},745,"holiday depression.jpg","woman with santa hat sad","holiday depression",1600,900,{"large":57,"small":68,"medium":76,"thumbnail":84},{"ext":58,"url":59,"hash":60,"mime":61,"name":62,"path":63,"size":64,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":67},".jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_holiday_depression_7bcf500be7.jpg","large_holiday_depression_7bcf500be7","image\u002Fjpeg","large_holiday depression.jpg",null,87.81,1000,563,87814,{"ext":58,"url":69,"hash":70,"mime":61,"name":71,"path":63,"size":72,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":75},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_holiday_depression_7bcf500be7.jpg","small_holiday_depression_7bcf500be7","small_holiday depression.jpg",27.22,500,281,27218,{"ext":58,"url":77,"hash":78,"mime":61,"name":79,"path":63,"size":80,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":83},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_holiday_depression_7bcf500be7.jpg","medium_holiday_depression_7bcf500be7","medium_holiday depression.jpg",54.07,750,422,54074,{"ext":58,"url":85,"hash":86,"mime":61,"name":87,"path":63,"size":88,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":91},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_holiday_depression_7bcf500be7.jpg","thumbnail_holiday_depression_7bcf500be7","thumbnail_holiday depression.jpg",8.41,245,138,8412,"holiday_depression_7bcf500be7",120.12,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fholiday_depression_7bcf500be7.jpg","aws-s3","2024-12-20T01:42:28.231Z",{"id":26,"name":27,"slug":28,"createdAt":98,"updatedAt":99,"publishedAt":100},"2020-12-24T19:15:46.057Z","2025-10-01T19:50:39.801Z","2024-06-26T07:27:59.419Z",{"id":18,"name":102,"slug":103,"instagram":63,"facebook":63,"bio":104,"createdAt":105,"updatedAt":106,"publishedAt":107,"linkedIn":63,"avatar":108,"avatarImg":127},"Mariana","mariana","Mariana is our amazing psychologist. She is generally shy, but she has the answers to all questions. She is calm but can be pretty sarcastic if she wants to! She is working with women who are struggling in their jobs. She also loves knitting. She helps our Working Gal Team with her valuable insights and tips for a balanced work life.","2023-11-12T05:43:27.688Z","2023-11-12T05:47:04.640Z","2023-11-12T05:47:04.619Z",{"id":109,"name":110,"alternativeText":111,"caption":111,"width":112,"height":112,"formats":113,"hash":122,"ext":115,"mime":118,"size":123,"url":124,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":125,"updatedAt":126},248,"1.webp","",250,{"thumbnail":114},{"ext":115,"url":116,"hash":117,"mime":118,"name":119,"path":63,"size":120,"width":121,"height":121},".webp","https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_1_ead45d4a4f.webp","thumbnail_1_ead45d4a4f","image\u002Fwebp","thumbnail_1.webp",4.51,156,"1_ead45d4a4f",8.67,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F1_ead45d4a4f.webp","2023-11-12T05:43:16.157Z","2023-11-12T05:43:16.165Z","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002F1_ead45d4a4f.webp","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fholiday_depression_7bcf500be7.jpg",{"pagination":130},{"page":6,"pageSize":35,"pageCount":6,"total":6},{"data":132,"meta":447},[133,206,276,325,375],{"id":134,"title":135,"createdAt":136,"updatedAt":137,"publishedAt":138,"content":139,"slug":140,"coffees":26,"seo_title":135,"keywords":141,"seo_desc":142,"featuredImage":143,"category":176,"author":179,"img":205},215,"Gisèle Pelicot Case: Did She Get the Justice She Deserved?","2024-12-19T21:56:34.531Z","2024-12-19T22:03:57.572Z","2024-12-19T22:03:57.569Z","He drugged his wife for decades and invited other men into their home to rape her. \n-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nOne of the most known people of 2024 is undoubtably Gisèle Pelicot. Since her horrific story was brought to light, it has inspired millions of people around the world, not only victims of **sexual abuse** but also non-victims, and she hopes her case will change French legislation regarding rape and consent. _\"It's time for the macho, patriarchal society that downplays the importance of rape to change,\"_ Giselle Pellico said in a statement at the trial that began on September 2, 2024, in Mazan. A few weeks ago, she was the shocking cover of [German Vogue](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.the-independent.com\u002Flife-style\u002Fgisele-pelicot-vogue-cover-germany-france-rape-trial-b2653832.html) on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and we see her on the [BBC list alongside other women](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fmediacentre\u002F2024\u002Fbbc-reveals-100-women-2024) who want this world to change, in every way possible.\n\n**Today, she got the justice she deserved.** Dominique Pelicot, her ex-husband who repeatedly drugged and raped her over the course of almost a decade has been found guilty of all the charges against him. He was found guilty of raping Gisèle Pelicot and sentenced to 20 years in prison, which is the maximum sentence for the charge of aggravated rape. \n\nHowever, it wasn’t only him. He would invite dozens of men he met online to their home to rape her while she was unconscious of the pills that he slipped to her drinks or food. The men were often strangers to her. Today, the court in Mazan found all 51 defendants guilty in the case. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the maximum sentence. The other defendants received sentences ranging from 3 to 15 years. \n\n_\"Mr Pellico, you are guilty of the aggravated rape of Gisèle Pelicot,\"_ said the president of the Avignon criminal court, Roger Arata. According to reports, Dominique Pelicot will not be eligible for parole until he has served two-thirds of his sentence. At this point, it should be noted that all 51 defendants were charged with serial rape and one of them, Nicolas François, was also charged with **depicting child abuse**. Most of the defendants denied the charges, saying they believed it was a consensual sex game orchestrated by the couple.\n\n![gisele pelicot trial vogue](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fgisele_pelicot_trial_vogue_84c4bfaab8.jpg)\n\nAccording to BBC, the defendants were sentenced to sentences lower than those sought by the prosecutor at the arraignment, while Giselle's children, David and Caroline, were clearly disappointed. On December 16, Dominique Pelico begged his family to accept his _\"apology\"_ and hailed Giselle's _\"courage\"_. _\"I would like to start by saluting the courage of my ex-wife,\"_ he had told the Avignon court. _\"I ask her, as well as the rest of my family, to accept my apology.\"_\n\nDespite the severity of the crimes, nearly all of **Gisèle's rapists received lenient sentences**. Six will be released today, having served their time or received suspended sentences. The longest sentence, excluding Dominique's, was 15 years for Romain Vandevelde, who raped Gisèle six times, while we was aware that he was HIV positive. Jean-Pierre Marechal, who raped his own wife using Dominique's methods, was sentenced in 12 years. Gisèle's daughter, Caroline Darian, was stunned by the leniency of the sentences.\n\nHowever, the sentences were not well received by a vast amount of the public. Anne-Cécile Mailfert, president of Fondation des Femmes, denounced the sentences as a _\"disgrace\"_ and a **systemic failure** to protect victims of sexual violence.\n\nHowever, what we should keep from this horror story is that Gisèle Pelicot, by appearing in public and putting a face to the victim, **wants the shame to change sides**. And she has already done so. She wants to fight for all those women who may never be recognized as victims of rape. Her life was destroyed as her husband of decades drugged her with pills he slipped into her food, then raped her and invited other men to molest her body. He filmed all these horrific moments, keeping a specific file with a date, name or pseudonym and pornographic title on his computer. Gisèle Pelico was raped at least 92 times, but her rage has turned into strength, voice and protection.\n\n\n#### Images source:\n[France 24](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.france24.com\u002Fen\u002Flive-news\u002F20241212-gisele-pelicot-france-rape-survivor-who-became-a-feminist-hero) \n[The Independent](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.independent.co.uk\u002Flife-style\u002Fgisele-pelicot-vogue-cover-germany-france-rape-trial-b2653832.html)","gisele-pelicot-case-did-she-get-the-justice-she-deserved","gisele pelicot, gisele pelicot trial, france rape trial, pelicot sentence, gisele pelicot vogue cover","The mass rape trial in France has come to an end and Gisele Pelicot is a symbol for all those women who are victims of violence. Did she get, however, the justice she deserved?",{"id":144,"name":145,"alternativeText":146,"caption":146,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":147,"hash":172,"ext":58,"mime":61,"size":173,"url":174,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":175,"updatedAt":175},743,"gisele pelicot trial.jpg","gisele pelicot trial",{"large":148,"small":154,"medium":160,"thumbnail":166},{"ext":58,"url":149,"hash":150,"mime":61,"name":151,"path":63,"size":152,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":153},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_gisele_pelicot_trial_297e7ba8c1.jpg","large_gisele_pelicot_trial_297e7ba8c1","large_gisele pelicot trial.jpg",67.52,67521,{"ext":58,"url":155,"hash":156,"mime":61,"name":157,"path":63,"size":158,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":159},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_gisele_pelicot_trial_297e7ba8c1.jpg","small_gisele_pelicot_trial_297e7ba8c1","small_gisele pelicot trial.jpg",24.67,24665,{"ext":58,"url":161,"hash":162,"mime":61,"name":163,"path":63,"size":164,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":165},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_gisele_pelicot_trial_297e7ba8c1.jpg","medium_gisele_pelicot_trial_297e7ba8c1","medium_gisele pelicot trial.jpg",44.22,44216,{"ext":58,"url":167,"hash":168,"mime":61,"name":169,"path":63,"size":170,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":171},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_gisele_pelicot_trial_297e7ba8c1.jpg","thumbnail_gisele_pelicot_trial_297e7ba8c1","thumbnail_gisele pelicot trial.jpg",8.73,8726,"gisele_pelicot_trial_297e7ba8c1",93.97,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fgisele_pelicot_trial_297e7ba8c1.jpg","2024-12-19T22:02:41.257Z",{"id":22,"name":23,"slug":24,"createdAt":177,"updatedAt":178,"publishedAt":100},"2020-12-24T19:16:11.810Z","2025-10-01T19:49:12.086Z",{"id":180,"name":181,"slug":182,"instagram":183,"facebook":184,"bio":185,"createdAt":186,"updatedAt":187,"publishedAt":188,"linkedIn":63,"avatar":189},6,"The Working Gal Team","the-working-gal-team","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fthe_working_gal\u002F","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Ftheworkinggal","At The Working Gal, we prioritize collective strategic insight. This piece reflects the shared expertise of our editorial board and specialists, delivering a 360° analysis of modern business and executive lifestyle.","2021-02-14T21:17:05.180Z","2026-04-12T03:32:03.659Z","2021-02-14T21:17:25.177Z",{"id":190,"name":191,"alternativeText":111,"caption":111,"width":112,"height":112,"formats":192,"hash":200,"ext":194,"mime":197,"size":201,"url":202,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":203,"updatedAt":204},108,"Untitled-7.png",{"thumbnail":193},{"ext":194,"url":195,"hash":196,"mime":197,"name":198,"path":63,"size":199,"width":121,"height":121},".png","https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_Untitled_7_b2bf764bcd.png","thumbnail_Untitled_7_b2bf764bcd","image\u002Fpng","thumbnail_Untitled-7.png",12.8,"Untitled_7_b2bf764bcd",22.3,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FUntitled_7_b2bf764bcd.png","2021-02-14T21:15:43.138Z","2021-02-14T21:15:43.147Z","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fgisele_pelicot_trial_297e7ba8c1.jpg",{"id":207,"title":208,"createdAt":209,"updatedAt":210,"publishedAt":211,"content":212,"slug":213,"coffees":26,"seo_title":208,"keywords":214,"seo_desc":215,"featuredImage":216,"category":250,"author":253,"img":275},214,"Skincare Routine: Do You Know How to Safely Mix Ingredients?","2024-12-19T21:29:16.596Z","2024-12-19T21:34:48.014Z","2024-12-19T21:34:48.010Z","A good skincare is an act of self-care. Your skin needs as much attention and your mind and the pleasure of mixing and matching products to create a personalized routine can be exciting. However, it’s crucial to approach DIY skincare with caution. It might seem harmless to **combine** your favorite products but mixing ingredients can lead to unexpected reactions and an increased risk of harming your skin or simply won’t be effective, hence you won’t see results.\n\nThis happens because certain skincare ingredients can react negatively when combined, leading to skin irritation, inflammation, or more serious issues. Additionally, different formulations **may not blend well**, resulting in product separation or reduced efficacy. Furthermore, mixing multiple active ingredients can overload the skin, making it more **sensitive and prone to irritation**.\n\nSo, if you use multiple formulations on your morning and evening routine, take a look on the labels of the products and check their ingredients to ensure that you combine them properly. Below, there is a list of ingredients that don’t work well together and it’s better for your skin’s sake to not mix them.\n\nRetinol and Vitamin C\n---------------------\n\nBoth retinol and vitamin C are powerful antioxidants, but they can clash due to their pH levels. Vitamin C is most stable in an acidic environment, while retinol works best in a slightly alkaline one. If your skincare products contain either of those ingredients it’s better to use them at different times of day. For example, apply vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. And never forget your SPF because they tend to turn the skin more photosensitive.\n\n\nNiacinamide and Vitamin C\n-------------------------\n\nNiacinamide can interfere with the stability of vitamin C, reducing its effectiveness. While they are both powerful antioxidants, their interaction can be complex. According to some studies, niacinamide might interfere with vitamin C, reducing its stability. However, many experts believe that this effect is minimal, especially when both ingredients are formulated in stable products. If you are not sure about the products you are using, aim to use the products separately, or consult with a dermatologist to find a product that combines them safely and effectively.\n\nAHAs\u002FBHAs and Vitamin C\n-----------------------\n\nBoth exfoliate the skin aka they can be irritating to the skin, especially when used together. This can lead to dryness, redness, and increased sensitivity. Use them on alternate days or at different times of day, for instance use vitamin C in the morning and incorporate AHAs\u002FBHAs in your evening skincare routine.  \n\n![skincare routine](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fskincare_mix_ingredients_8e2b406e9d.jpg)\n\nRetinol and AHAs\u002FBHAs\n---------------------\n\nRetinol as well as AHAs\u002FBHAs exfoliate the skin, and combining them can lead to excessive dryness and irritation so it’s better to use them on alternate days or at different times of day. \n\nBenzoyl Peroxide and Retinol\n----------------------------\n\nBenzoyl peroxide is a powerful acne-fighting ingredient that works by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation. However, it can be irritating to the skin, especially when combined with other harsh ingredients such as retinol causing the skin to be dry, red and sometimes to peel. It’s better to use them separately, different days and times so that you avoid the unpleasant results.  \n\nIt’s important to establish a solid skincare routine with products that are suitable and effective for your skin. When you are trying a new product remember to always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying them to your entire face and pay close attention to your skin's response. Immediately discontinue use if you experience any irritation, redness, dryness, or other adverse reactions. \n\nIt’s better to consult a dermatologist that can guide you accordingly and help your skin glow!","skincare-routine-do-you-know-how-to-safely-mix-ingredients","retinol, mix skincare products, which skincare products to combine, beauty products, vitamin c and retinol, retinol and niasinamide","If your skincare routine is not effective or you experience dryness, redness or peeling effect, then you probably don't mix your skincare products well. Check what the beauty editor suggests.",{"id":217,"name":218,"alternativeText":219,"caption":220,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":221,"hash":246,"ext":58,"mime":61,"size":247,"url":248,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":249,"updatedAt":249},741,"skincare routine.jpg","hands holing beauty products","skincare routine",{"large":222,"small":228,"medium":234,"thumbnail":240},{"ext":58,"url":223,"hash":224,"mime":61,"name":225,"path":63,"size":226,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":227},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_skincare_routine_54b5ed8368.jpg","large_skincare_routine_54b5ed8368","large_skincare routine.jpg",26.56,26556,{"ext":58,"url":229,"hash":230,"mime":61,"name":231,"path":63,"size":232,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":233},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_skincare_routine_54b5ed8368.jpg","small_skincare_routine_54b5ed8368","small_skincare routine.jpg",9.68,9680,{"ext":58,"url":235,"hash":236,"mime":61,"name":237,"path":63,"size":238,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":239},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_skincare_routine_54b5ed8368.jpg","medium_skincare_routine_54b5ed8368","medium_skincare routine.jpg",17.25,17253,{"ext":58,"url":241,"hash":242,"mime":61,"name":243,"path":63,"size":244,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":245},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_skincare_routine_54b5ed8368.jpg","thumbnail_skincare_routine_54b5ed8368","thumbnail_skincare routine.jpg",3.69,3691,"skincare_routine_54b5ed8368",54.39,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fskincare_routine_54b5ed8368.jpg","2024-12-19T21:32:52.767Z",{"id":14,"name":15,"slug":16,"createdAt":251,"updatedAt":252,"publishedAt":100},"2020-12-24T19:16:00.904Z","2025-02-19T20:04:41.159Z",{"id":254,"name":255,"slug":256,"instagram":63,"facebook":63,"bio":257,"createdAt":258,"updatedAt":259,"publishedAt":260,"linkedIn":63,"avatar":261},13,"Cristina","cristina","Cristina and beauty are one and the same. Cristina is mysterious, extravagant, and when she has free time, she loves shopping for beauty products and trying them on. She knows who should wear what and what is the best moisturizer in the market. Can't say we don't need her!","2023-11-12T05:46:52.824Z","2023-11-12T05:46:59.737Z","2023-11-12T05:46:59.716Z",{"id":262,"name":263,"alternativeText":111,"caption":111,"width":112,"height":112,"formats":264,"hash":270,"ext":115,"mime":118,"size":271,"url":272,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":273,"updatedAt":274},247,"Untitled design.webp",{"thumbnail":265},{"ext":115,"url":266,"hash":267,"mime":118,"name":268,"path":63,"size":269,"width":121,"height":121},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_Untitled_design_f7056d0e58.webp","thumbnail_Untitled_design_f7056d0e58","thumbnail_Untitled design.webp",3.04,"Untitled_design_f7056d0e58",4.9,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FUntitled_design_f7056d0e58.webp","2023-11-12T05:43:15.989Z","2023-11-12T05:43:15.999Z","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fskincare_routine_54b5ed8368.jpg",{"id":277,"title":278,"createdAt":279,"updatedAt":280,"publishedAt":281,"content":282,"slug":283,"coffees":22,"seo_title":278,"keywords":284,"seo_desc":285,"featuredImage":286,"category":319,"author":320,"img":324},213,"Your Monthly To-Do List With Our Favorite Quotes","2024-12-19T05:32:35.851Z","2024-12-21T21:14:02.972Z","2024-12-19T05:34:57.086Z","Start the New Year Fresh with our To-Do List full of motivational quotes!\n\n## 2025 will be a productive and exciting year!\n\n# Get your list [here](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fto_do_list_c2a54df5d7.pdf) and start planning!\n\n","your-monthly-to-do-list-with-our-favorite-quotes","todo list, printable to-do list, to-do lists ideas, print your to-do list","30 sheets of to-do lists with motivational quotes to plan your year as it deserves! Enjoy!\n",{"id":287,"name":288,"alternativeText":289,"caption":289,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":290,"hash":315,"ext":194,"mime":197,"size":316,"url":317,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":318,"updatedAt":318},740,"to do list printable.png","to do list printable",{"large":291,"small":297,"medium":303,"thumbnail":309},{"ext":194,"url":292,"hash":293,"mime":197,"name":294,"path":63,"size":295,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":296},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_to_do_list_printable_3ee04b3126.png","large_to_do_list_printable_3ee04b3126","large_to do list printable.png",869.76,869760,{"ext":194,"url":298,"hash":299,"mime":197,"name":300,"path":63,"size":301,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":302},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_to_do_list_printable_3ee04b3126.png","small_to_do_list_printable_3ee04b3126","small_to do list printable.png",219,218995,{"ext":194,"url":304,"hash":305,"mime":197,"name":306,"path":63,"size":307,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":308},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_to_do_list_printable_3ee04b3126.png","medium_to_do_list_printable_3ee04b3126","medium_to do list printable.png",484.55,484545,{"ext":194,"url":310,"hash":311,"mime":197,"name":312,"path":63,"size":313,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":314},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_to_do_list_printable_3ee04b3126.png","thumbnail_to_do_list_printable_3ee04b3126","thumbnail_to do list printable.png",60.59,60592,"to_do_list_printable_3ee04b3126",279.37,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fto_do_list_printable_3ee04b3126.png","2024-12-19T05:34:49.753Z",{"id":26,"name":27,"slug":28,"createdAt":98,"updatedAt":99,"publishedAt":100},{"id":180,"name":181,"slug":182,"instagram":183,"facebook":184,"bio":185,"createdAt":186,"updatedAt":187,"publishedAt":188,"linkedIn":63,"avatar":321},{"id":190,"name":191,"alternativeText":111,"caption":111,"width":112,"height":112,"formats":322,"hash":200,"ext":194,"mime":197,"size":201,"url":202,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":203,"updatedAt":204},{"thumbnail":323},{"ext":194,"url":195,"hash":196,"mime":197,"name":198,"path":63,"size":199,"width":121,"height":121},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fto_do_list_printable_3ee04b3126.png",{"id":326,"title":327,"createdAt":328,"updatedAt":329,"publishedAt":330,"content":331,"slug":332,"coffees":26,"seo_title":327,"keywords":333,"seo_desc":334,"featuredImage":335,"category":369,"author":370,"img":374},212,"Ask The Gals: RSVPs & Money Makers","2024-12-19T04:30:42.438Z","2025-02-19T20:03:51.133Z","2024-12-19T04:40:04.611Z","## _If you have a question about your career, friends, love life, or everything random, [fill up this form](https:\u002F\u002Fforms.gle\u002FovnsXzrcahDPp2z56) and the Gals will answer it as soon as possible!_\n\n\\*\\*\\*\\*\n\n## Host Asks: Guest, please\n\n![guests making a toast](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_056eee1163.jpg)\n\n_“Is there any way I can get my guests to leave? The holiday season is right by the corner and every year I get frustrated since my -lovely by all means- guests are extremely reluctant to leave the house after dinner, celebrations, etc. and I end up tired, almost asleep on the couch waiting patiently for them to realize that it’s late. They need to leave. Like now. Any ideas?_\n\n## The Gal Answers\n\nExcellent question! Well, it depends on your boundaries, your relationship with your guests, and how much you are inclined to be unpleasant. What usually works is to start tidying up and moving around the house. Also, it’s a good idea to start a conversation on your next day’s plans and start by saying “oh, I have exciting plans for tomorrow, getting up veeeery early for \\[insert -imaginary or not-plan\\].\n\nThese methods are proven to be effective and guests with a sense of social awareness usually get the “go away” hint. Others, may not. So, you have two options: either you wait patiently for them to get tired and leave or you tell them that the party is over and it’s time to get some sleep.\n\nIf you are close to your guests, then they will be ok. Worst case scenario, they won’t coming back to the next gathering. But, at least, the party will be over on time!\n\n\\*\\*\\*\\*\n\n## D. Asks: Holiday Stress\n\n![woman holding gifts and screaming](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_d00d20c0f2.jpg)\n\n_“Holiday season is here and I feel so stressed that I don’t know what to do. I have some days off work and I could really use the time to rest but I have so many social obligations and so little time to manage them all. What should I do?”_\n\n## The Gal Answers\n\nThat’s a very common problem that pretty much everyone faces. We were taught to please them all, no matter if our mind (and body) say the opposite. I won’t tell you to not stress, but I will tell you that at the end of the day, nothing bad can happen if you don’t show up to a party or gathering. I tried doing it for a year and then I needed a couple of weeks off work to manage to recover. And that in my twenties. In my late thirties I would suggest Netflix favorites and RSVP to events that really warm your soul. Honestly, everyone is so duped these days that they won’t even notice your absence. All good.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\\*\n\n## Money Maker: I don’t believe women make less money than men\n\n![woman throwing money](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_f3778b8477.jpg)\n\n_“Hello Working Gals! I have a question-statement to make. I think that the belief that women make less money than men is a bit misleading. I believe that both sexes can earn the same amount of money if they have the appropriate skills and that we tend to victimize ourselves in order to have something to complain about.”_\n\n## The Gal Answers\n\nWell, that was not a question but I could really suggest you did some reading on the topic. A simple Google search will show you that _“Although the gender pay gap has narrowed since the signing of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women earned 82 cents for every dollar a man earns according to 2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.”_\n\nSo yes, women do earn less than men. Why? The reasons are multiple and a simple column cannot explain how deep the gap in equal compensation is.\n\nWe have addressed the issue in The Working Gal and I would suggest you read some information [here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fmind-the-gap-the-fight-for-gender-equal-compensation) and [here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fwhy-women-are-underrepresented-in-leadership-positions).\n\nHowever, there are many places where you can see women earning more than men but these are not the rule nor magically we managed to bridge the gap of compensations only because some businesses took the lead.\n\nThe road is long and if you are in position where you earn more money from your male counterparts, then congratulations but you are the exception!\n\nDemanding equal compensation schemes and addressing the issue is not victimizing ourselves. It’s trying to put us in a position where we are heard and we get what we deserve.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\\*\n\n## Employee of the month Asks:\n\n![woman scolding a colleague](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_fa46a79b99.jpg)\n\n_“I think my boss doesn’t like me. What should I do?_\n\n## The Gal Answers\n\nNot much but we need more clues to understand where your thought comes from. Has anything specific happened? Did you get a review that didn’t reflect your effort? A reminder that we don’t have to be friends with everyone at work and sometimes we need to just do our job and leave. Give us an update on what is happening.","ask-the-gals-rsv-ps-and-money-makers","ask the gals, Q&A, women problems, working women issues, problems for women, sexism, competitive colleague, ask column","Ask The Gals for whatever problem you have and they will answer it! All you have to do is send an email to info@workingal.com.",{"id":336,"name":337,"alternativeText":338,"caption":339,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":340,"hash":365,"ext":194,"mime":197,"size":366,"url":367,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":368,"updatedAt":368},734,"ask the gals column.png","woman with santa hat holding money","ask the gals column",{"large":341,"small":347,"medium":353,"thumbnail":359},{"ext":194,"url":342,"hash":343,"mime":197,"name":344,"path":63,"size":345,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":346},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_ask_the_gals_column_a3ea96a38e.png","large_ask_the_gals_column_a3ea96a38e","large_ask the gals column.png",883.54,883541,{"ext":194,"url":348,"hash":349,"mime":197,"name":350,"path":63,"size":351,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":352},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_ask_the_gals_column_a3ea96a38e.png","small_ask_the_gals_column_a3ea96a38e","small_ask the gals column.png",216.43,216434,{"ext":194,"url":354,"hash":355,"mime":197,"name":356,"path":63,"size":357,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":358},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_ask_the_gals_column_a3ea96a38e.png","medium_ask_the_gals_column_a3ea96a38e","medium_ask the gals column.png",485.9,485903,{"ext":194,"url":360,"hash":361,"mime":197,"name":362,"path":63,"size":363,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":364},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_ask_the_gals_column_a3ea96a38e.png","thumbnail_ask_the_gals_column_a3ea96a38e","thumbnail_ask the gals column.png",56.26,56261,"ask_the_gals_column_a3ea96a38e",307.94,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_a3ea96a38e.png","2024-12-19T04:33:51.141Z",{"id":22,"name":23,"slug":24,"createdAt":177,"updatedAt":178,"publishedAt":100},{"id":180,"name":181,"slug":182,"instagram":183,"facebook":184,"bio":185,"createdAt":186,"updatedAt":187,"publishedAt":188,"linkedIn":63,"avatar":371},{"id":190,"name":191,"alternativeText":111,"caption":111,"width":112,"height":112,"formats":372,"hash":200,"ext":194,"mime":197,"size":201,"url":202,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":203,"updatedAt":204},{"thumbnail":373},{"ext":194,"url":195,"hash":196,"mime":197,"name":198,"path":63,"size":199,"width":121,"height":121},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_a3ea96a38e.png",{"id":376,"title":377,"createdAt":378,"updatedAt":379,"publishedAt":380,"content":381,"slug":382,"coffees":14,"seo_title":377,"keywords":383,"seo_desc":384,"featuredImage":385,"category":419,"author":420,"img":446},211,"I Woke Up at 6AM Every Day for 30 Days. Here Is What Actually Changed.","2024-12-19T02:40:07.361Z","2026-02-19T04:07:24.946Z","2024-12-19T02:48:09.596Z","I have always been very interested in [increasing my productivity](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Fsearch?s=productivity) and being able to finish stuff fast and efficiently. I have pretty much every productivity app anyone could imagine and I constantly calculate my time on different tasks in order to understand where I stall and where I am fast so that I can develop techniques that would make me faster and faster.\n\nWell, I can’t complain. Over the years, I have seen my productivity getting better and better and there have been days when I was actually really proud of me and my efficiency.\n\nHowever, the more I grow up, the more I realize that my productivity is imbalanced and not always regulated, as I thought it to be. And, honestly, sometimes life can be so **unpredictable** that even the most productive people can have a slip. And I am one of those people.\n\nI have tried several productivity tips and tricks and I cannot say that I have completely managed to reach all my goals. And as a traditional night owl, I would never think that waking-up early in the morning could actually be the game changer in my productivity levels.\n\n![early morning productivity](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fearly_morning_productivity_036b923a24.png)\n\nAs a person who has worked for years as a [freelancer](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Fsearch?s=freelancer), I had the luxury to manage my time according to my projects and, to be honest, the most satisfying thing was that I could work anytime I wanted and whenever I wanted within the day. So, a huge amount of my work was done during the evening and nighttime. I can’t even begin to remember how many times I was out for drinks up to 1 am (Greeks are late!) and then got back to working. Ahh, nice times.\n\nEven when I started the business (yes, I am now a proud business owner, stay tuned for more insights on that!), I was the last one to come to the office (and the last to leave it, for what is worth) and I can say that I felt so excited that I didn’t have to go to 9-5 never again.\n\nHowever, as the business moved forward, meetings with potential and new clients started piling up and I couldn’t support my working style anymore. I tried but eventually it wasn't functional, aka I was so sleep-deprived that I could barely stand awake. Amidst meetings, actual work and other stuff I saw my productivity levels drop dramatically and I realized I needed to take action. It was this time that I started a part-time job (for the experience and networking mainly) with a US company where the general mood was wake-up early and work-life balance.\n\nI started getting interested in the vibe of [waking up early](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fi-stop-scrolling-in-the-morning) and I did a little research on the benefits of waking up early and if they are valid or another trick to support capitalism by being awake all day long.\n\nWhat I found? _Interesting stuff_. Many online people and influencers swear on waking up early and a lot of books of business management as well. Research suggests that the earlier we wake up, the more productive we get and get shit done.\n\nWell, considering that I used to get things done for many years and completely random time schedules, I initially thought that all these were just words to fill the paper or the Instagram caption. But, since I never say no to a new challenge, I decided to try it and see what happens. Best case scenario, I would become the most successful person in the worl,d or I would be the most tired person in the world, and I would blame all the aspiring productivity gurus of the internet.\n\n# What's the Best Time to Wake Up for Productivity?\n\n![early morning productivity](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fearly_morning_productivity_926defb3fc.png)\n\nI find it very efficient to start everything I have in mind on **Sundays**. Whether I want to establish a new healthy habit or I want to stop a bad one, I find Sundays a very convenient start day, first because I have the time to see the differences without risking being at work and second because Monday puts already a _pressure for the upcoming week_, so I try to not get me overwhelmed with a life change.\n\nSo, the previous night, I set my alarm for 6 am. I set another for 6:15 and another for 6:30 in case I won’t manage to wake up with the first attempt. This way, I create a safety net so that I stick to my goal. Also, my phone goes far away, out of reach, so that I don’t get tempted to put off waking up on time. Of course, I couldn’t go to bed early and I mentally prepared myself that I would be groggy the next morning.\n\nSo, on Sunday I was up at 6 am, sharp. I made it! Honestly, it was brutal, but I was determined to achieve my goal. And I didn’t want to let my discomfort overwhelm me. I got my coffee; I stayed away from the phone -who is awake that early, after all?- and I took some time to acknowledge what was happening. After a while, I starting feeling that I wanted to move a bit so I started doing some **house cleaning and laundry.**\n\nBy noon, I have finished laundry, I meal prepped for the week and I have edited a couple of articles that need to be delivered by the end of the following week. Oh boy! So many things were done that I couldn’t believe it was just noon.\n\n# Why Morning People Achieve Greater Success\n\n![early morning productivity](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fearly_morning_productivity_d34d12438e.png)\n\nIn the beginning, I thought that it was just a coincidence and I was just fast, despite the lack of sleep. However, I wanted to be sure of my assumptions, and of course, I continued waking up at 6 am the following days and see how this will eventually end up.\n\nWell, I have some great news to share: **waking up early actually works for your productivity**. There are many studies that support the fact that mornings are usually the ideal time to finish all our important tasks because our brain functions better. Therefore, when you wake up that early, you give yourself some extra hours of productivity and, consequently, you finish more tasks during those hours.\n\nAlso, the fact that you wake up so early in a peaceful house creates the perfect opportunity to make some decisions in a **distraction-free environment** where the clutter of a busy day can’t reach you. Waking up at 6 am is a great chance to stand still and enjoy your morning without having to rush out of the door (or jump to your laptop) without time for yourself. If you wake up early enough, you can have a [nutritious breakfast](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fbusy-mornings-20-healthy-breakfast-ideas-if-you-don-t-have-time), get dressed, and enjoy your beauty routine without the guilt of being late. It is a great time to workout as well. I am usually a **morning person** when it comes to working out but I would storm in my Pilates 9 am class sleepy, not having coffee and would almost sleep for the first 20 minutes of the class. After starting to wake up at 6 am, I had already done some of the morning preparations and also had enough coffee to make my workout more efficient.\n\n### Imagine how many things you don’t usually do in the morning, you are able to achieve only by setting your alarm at 6 am every morning\n\nAnd this is the key to great productivity. Early, undistracted mornings are the best option to empty your to-do list and manage your time more effectively with almost **zero distractions**. This is even more appealing considering that you free up your afternoons and replace errands with fun things. In my case, waking up very early motivated me to get into business early, tackle all my tasks for the day (and even some tasks for the whole week) and be able to find more time for myself and my loved ones.\n\nAlso, since I had time to get ready for work, my diet got better since I had the time to [prep my meals](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F5-tips-for-meal-prep) and have a great breakfast before heading to the office.\n\n# Is 6 am The Ideal Time To Wake Up? | Can It Last?\n\n![early morning productivity](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fearly_morning_productivity_48ce29175c.png)\n\nIt did. Alright, during the weekend I allow myself to stay in bed a bit more but during the week, I aim to wake up no later than 6:15 am and go to bed early, no matter how tired or not I am. I have made my schedule around this time and I still can’t believe how much free time I have during the evening. Also, considering that a habit takes about 21 days to be established, then probably my body is used to waking up early ever since I got into the challenge of doing so.\n\nHowever, the decision of your wake up time is a personal choice and it really **depends on your lifestyle**, **work and preferences**. If it aligns with those then you can give it a try and check whether is the right decision for you and it can have a positive change to your productivity and well-being.","productivity-diaries-i-started-to-wake-up-at-6-am-and-good-things-have-happened","best time to wake up for productivity, why do morning people achieve greater success, ideal wake up time for productivity ","I set my alarm for 6AM every day for 30 days and tracked every result. Here is what the productivity research predicted, what actually happened, and whether it is worth doing.",{"id":386,"name":387,"alternativeText":388,"caption":389,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":390,"hash":415,"ext":194,"mime":197,"size":416,"url":417,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":418,"updatedAt":418},729,"early morning productivity.png","Hand reaching alarm clock","early morning productivity",{"large":391,"small":397,"medium":403,"thumbnail":409},{"ext":194,"url":392,"hash":393,"mime":197,"name":394,"path":63,"size":395,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":396},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_early_morning_productivity_6742b06f35.png","large_early_morning_productivity_6742b06f35","large_early morning productivity.png",915.4,915398,{"ext":194,"url":398,"hash":399,"mime":197,"name":400,"path":63,"size":401,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":402},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_early_morning_productivity_6742b06f35.png","small_early_morning_productivity_6742b06f35","small_early morning productivity.png",239.6,239604,{"ext":194,"url":404,"hash":405,"mime":197,"name":406,"path":63,"size":407,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":408},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_early_morning_productivity_6742b06f35.png","medium_early_morning_productivity_6742b06f35","medium_early morning productivity.png",514.43,514426,{"ext":194,"url":410,"hash":411,"mime":197,"name":412,"path":63,"size":413,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":414},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_early_morning_productivity_6742b06f35.png","thumbnail_early_morning_productivity_6742b06f35","thumbnail_early morning productivity.png",69.03,69028,"early_morning_productivity_6742b06f35",251.18,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fearly_morning_productivity_6742b06f35.png","2024-12-19T02:42:02.549Z",{"id":26,"name":27,"slug":28,"createdAt":98,"updatedAt":99,"publishedAt":100},{"id":6,"name":421,"slug":422,"instagram":423,"facebook":424,"bio":425,"createdAt":426,"updatedAt":427,"publishedAt":428,"linkedIn":429,"avatar":430},"Dimitra","dimitra","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fdimdimi\u002F","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Fdimitra.lioliou.9","She worked in corporate, then embraced the freelancer dream and built two businesses. In the meantime, she learned five foreign languages, picked up a Master's in Digital Marketing, and somehow ended up deep in the world of AI Risk Strategy — because understanding people was always the strategy anyway.\nNow she spends her time between Greece and the US, meeting with clients, writing about whatever life brings, and helping businesses figure out what AI gets wrong before it costs them.\nJust a suggestion: don't ask her about languages. She will never stop talking.","2020-12-24T18:56:38.909Z","2026-02-19T19:46:02.745Z","2020-12-24T18:56:43.888Z","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fin\u002Fdimitra-lioliou\u002F",{"id":431,"name":432,"alternativeText":433,"caption":434,"width":112,"height":112,"formats":435,"hash":442,"ext":194,"mime":197,"size":443,"url":444,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":445,"updatedAt":445},1244,"Dimitra Lioliou.png","dimitra lioliou profile pic","dimitra lioliou the working gal",{"thumbnail":436},{"ext":194,"url":437,"hash":438,"mime":197,"name":439,"path":63,"size":440,"width":121,"height":121,"sizeInBytes":441},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_4c495e8044.png","thumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_4c495e8044","thumbnail_Dimitra Lioliou.png",47.83,47833,"Dimitra_Lioliou_4c495e8044",34.56,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FDimitra_Lioliou_4c495e8044.png","2025-04-09T22:06:21.464Z","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fearly_morning_productivity_6742b06f35.png",{"pagination":448},{"start":449,"limit":450,"total":451},0,5,202]