As offices reopen after the holidays, many workers return to full inboxes, unfinished tasks, and plans that stalled during the break. To help users ease back into work, Google highlighted five simple ways to use Gemini, its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, to manage everyday tasks at the start of 2026.
The suggested prompts focus on common work and home challenges, such as sorting emails, planning schedules, starting documents, managing meals, and staying focused.
1. Managing a full inbox
One of the first issues many employees face after a long break is a large number of unread emails. Gemini can help users decide which messages need immediate action and which can wait.
A sample prompt asks Gemini to create a short plan to sort emails by urgency and draft a basic “back-to-work” reply for non-urgent requests. Gemini is available at no cost, while paid subscribers can access it directly inside Gmail to summarize email threads, draft replies, and find files across Google services.
2. Turning goals into daily routines
Many people set big goals at the start of the year but struggle to fit them into a busy schedule. Gemini can break down long-term plans into small habits that are easier to follow.
For example, users can ask Gemini to suggest short daily activities that fit into a standard workday, such as balancing career development with exercise or family time.
3. Starting work documents faster
Returning to work often means facing reports, proposals, or presentations. Instead of starting from a blank page, users can ask Gemini to create a simple outline to help them begin writing.
This approach can save time and reduce delays, especially for tasks that require structure before details are added.
4. Planning meals on a tight schedule
Busy workweeks often lead to rushed food choices. Gemini can help users plan simple meals by suggesting recipes that fit a time limit and budget, along with a combined grocery list.
This can help workers manage both expenses and daily routines without spending extra time on planning.
5. Improving focus during the day
Adjusting back to work or school can make it difficult to concentrate. Gemini can suggest productivity methods and help users plan their next few hours around key tasks.
A typical prompt asks Gemini to recommend a focus technique and organize time blocks to complete priority work.
Google said these prompts are meant to help users approach the new year with clearer plans and less stress by breaking large tasks into manageable steps using Gemini as a daily support tool.