By Claire Bacon, ACN, CNC
Holidays are meant to be a break from everyday life — but sometimes they end up creating more stress than rest. Even though there’s pressure for everything to feel joyful and festive, the days that follow can leave you exhausted, overwhelmed, and searching for the nearest couch. What you need is a post holiday reboot!
If you finish the holidays feeling more drained than refreshed, you’re definitely not alone. While we’re often told that holidays should be full of love and happiness, the reality on the ground can be very different. For many people, they stir up old emotions, spark tense conversations around the table, and involve that one relative who always asks deeply personal questions at the worst possible moment. (You know the one.)
That’s why intentionally setting aside time to recover after the holidays can make such a difference. Giving yourself space to reset is one of the best ways to refill your cup. Here are four simple, low-key ideas to help you ease back into yourself after the holiday whirlwind.
1. Find your quiet time, and do nothing
Even setting aside just one or two minutes to sit in silence can significantly reduce feelings of fatigue or anxiety. The practice itself is simple, yet remarkably effective:
Begin by finding a quiet space where you can be alone and uninterrupted. Take several slow, deep breaths. You may choose to place your hands over your heart or on your abdomen as you breathe. With each exhale, imagine releasing the stress and tension you’ve been carrying.
Gently check in with yourself. Notice how you’re feeling emotionally and where your body may be holding tension. Approach this moment with honesty and without judgment, allowing yourself to simply observe and experience a sense of calm.
As you tune in, you might become aware of difficult emotions such as burnout or overwhelm. That’s completely normal. Awareness is a powerful first step toward starting your holiday reboot.
2. Get back to Nature
Nature offers a uniquely powerful way to restore a sense of balance and grounding. Time spent outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and support overall mental clarity. Even brief exposure to natural environments can help calm the nervous system and create a feeling of emotional reset.
In the days following your holiday, intentionally set aside time to spend outdoors. A simple walk around your neighborhood or a visit to a nearby park can provide gentle movement, fresh air, and natural light — all of which contribute to improved energy and well-being. You don’t need a long hike or elaborate plan; consistency and presence matter more than duration.
As you walk, give yourself permission to slow down. Notice the details around you: the rhythm of the wind in the trees, the movement of birds, the warmth of the sun, the changing colors and textures of your surroundings. Engaging your senses in this way helps anchor your attention in the present moment and encourages your mind to release lingering stress from the busy days behind you.
By approaching your time outside with curiosity and awareness, you transform a simple walk into a perfect post holiday reboot. Walking in nature gently replenishes your energy and helps you reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
3. Call a friend
We all have that friend who can instantly lift our spirits. Reach out to them — a quick call or text can spark laughter and lighten your mood. Even better, plan an activity together that gets you moving and having fun. Here are a few ideas to make your next friend date purposeful and restorative:
- Go out for dinner: Step away from the chaos at home and enjoy a meal without distractions.
- Stay home for dinner: Have a couple friends over to chop and simmer a delicious winter soup together.
- Get creative: Try painting, drawing, or another hands-on activity to reignite your creativity.
- Move your body: Practice yoga, tai chi, or a mindful walk in the park to release stress and reconnect with your breath.
The point is simple: shift your focus from stressful expectations to something that fills you with positivity and energy. Being together with friends you love is the fastest way to feel better during your post holiday reboot.
4. Take Your Supplements
If the thought of jumping back into work or daily routines makes you groan, give yourself a little extra care. Certain supplements can help you feel more centered and balanced. Three favorites:
- Adrenal Desiccated: Our best bang for the buck when you need to feel restored or build up your stamina and resilience to stress.
- Min-Chex: Supports calm, helping reduce emotional tension and worry.
- Nevaton Forte: A blend of herbs — St. John’s Wort, Schisandra, Skullcap, and Saffron — designed to support mood and overall well-being.
A little boost can go a long way in helping your post holiday reboot. Having the right supplements helps you approach life with more resilience and ease.
A Revamp for Your Post Holiday Slump
Returning to daily routines after the holidays can be challenging, but with the right tools, recovery is entirely within reach. By intentionally incorporating even one of these strategies into your schedule, you can restore your sense of balance, rebuild your energy, and reconnect with the calm, capable version of yourself.
If you find that you’re still struggling to feel like yourself after trying this holiday reboot, we encourage you to reach out to our office. Our team is here to support your well-being throughout the year — not just during the holidays. We would be happy to help you develop a personalized plan to move forward with greater ease and confidence.