The holidays have passed, and that tends to come with bittersweet feelings. Not only does January feel like a fresh start due to the new year, but also because the end of December is filled with lots of rest, overeating, and more family time.
This overstimulation during the holidays can leave many feeling in a slump, whether from having eaten unhealthy, having spent too much money, or from family drama. It’s important during this period to take time for yourself and explore the idea of “holistic recovery” after the festive season.
Physical Restoration
Many people go hard with fitness in the new year, with plenty of gym advertising and “new year new me” mantras. But getting back into exercise doesn’t need to be that black and white. Getting back into physical activity with walks in nature or light yoga is a great way to get your blood flowing and work out any kinks. Movement has incredible benefits on energy levels and mood, and remember that it doesn’t need to be extreme to make an impact. If you haven’t exercised in a while, just keep in mind that starting slow and using proper form will reduce your risk of injury.
Winter Activities
Go beyond the gym this season and explore winter-specific activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing, or brisk walks bundled up in the crisp air. These activities offer the joy of being outdoors while getting your heart rate up. You can also connect your body and mind through gentle practices like yoga, tai chi, or Pilates. These activities focus on breathwork, balance, and flexibility, offering a restorative approach to movement. Alternatively, turn everyday tasks into mini-workouts. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, dance while cleaning the house, or park further away and walk the extra distance. Add playful elements like jumping jacks during commercials or squats while waiting for the kettle to boil.
Nutrition
Others like to focus on their diet in the new year, trying to make up for holiday sweets and treats. This is another area of your life that doesn’t require extreme changes. Eating natural, seasonal produce and staying hydrated is a great way to start your year. You can find plenty of recipes for healthy meals, snacks, and drinks that will get you excited about cooking and eating well.
In addition to moving your body and filling it with healthy fuel, it’s also important to remember to rest and relax. Good quality sleep is key to your physical and mental recovery. There are many ways to wind down after the holidays, such as meditation, baths, or just quiet time. Stress from travel or family is bad for your physical and mental health, so it’s important to manage it as best you can. Denver injury attorneys emphasize the importance of mental health if you were injured or ill during the holidays.
Mental Rejuvenation
One of the common symptoms that people experience in the new year is post-holiday blues. Depression can hit hard after the holidays, with the excitement and company dying down. This can be a difficult emotional challenge to overcome, whether it’s related to holiday grief, financial anxiety, an addiction, or relationship strain. It’s important to take care of your mental health during this time and speak to a professional if needed. It can be helpful to plan some events or activities to look forward to.
Social connections are important for your well-being, so planning some time with loved ones is a good place to start. Come up with lowkey, nonstressful activities you can do to spend quality time together. You can also begin using some mindfulness techniques to practice gratitude every day. Try and find joy in the small ordinary things.
Cheers to 2024
Recovering from the holidays is a process that can’t be rushed. Remember to exercise self-compassion during the winter months and celebrate small victories. The new year can feel daunting but can also be a great opportunity for a fresh start. Try and focus on gratitude, by reflecting on your day or journaling.
Below are some resources that can help if you are struggling this season:
