Getting Back on Track After the Holidays
After the excitement and indulgences of the holiday season, it can be tough to get back into your normal routine. But with a little planning and some self-care, you can start the new year off feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Here are some tips for getting back on track after a long holiday:
Resume your Routine fast.
Start by getting back into your regular routine. This might mean setting your alarm clock, eating meals at your usual times, and going to bed at your usual bedtime. It can be helpful to make a schedule for the first few days after the holidays to help you get back on track. I like to kind of ‘force’ myself back into my regular routine by scheduling some meetings and appointments the first few days after a break, leaving me no choice but to resume my normal ‘train de vie’ fast.
Get some exercise.
The holidays can be a time of indulgence and inactivity, so getting back into an exercise routine can help you feel more energized and motivated. If you’re feeling sluggish, try starting with some light activity, like going for a walk or doing some yoga, and gradually increase the intensity as you feel more energized. Exercise can also help reduce stress and improve your mood, which can be especially helpful after a busy holiday season. In fact, I find that signing up to a gym or dance class the first week after the new year can facilitate resuming your routine faster.
Catch up on work responsibilities.
The holidays can be a time of relaxation and fun, but they can also be a source of stress if you have a lot of work or other responsibilities to catch up on. Make a list of tasks that need to be completed and tackle them one by one. It can be helpful to set small, achievable goals for each day to help you stay on track. One advice I give my clients is to check in on their emails (or another smaller task) daily, even during the holidays. It can be as simply as just scrolling one or two emails a day to kind of stay connected. By avoiding a complete disconnection, this allows an easier return to their professional responsibilities.
Don’t be too hard on yourself.
It’s normal to feel a little down after the excitement of the holidays has passed. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to readjust to your normal routine. Remember that it’s okay to take things slowly and allow yourself time to relax and unwind. Rapid Transformational Therapy or RTT is an excellent way to teach anyone how to accept their imperfections and learn to love themselves the way they are.
Take some time to relax and unwind.
The holidays can be a busy and stressful time, so make sure to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. This might mean taking a warm bath, going for a walk, or practicing some relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. I love how my clients grow more mindful of how to self-care during the course of their therapy with me. They learn how crucial it is to prioritize some me-time during this busy period.
Connect with friends and family.
The holidays can be a time of increased socialization, so make sure to stay connected with the people you care about. This can help you feel more grounded and supported as you transition back to your normal routine.
Set some goals for the year ahead.
The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on the past year and set some goals for the year ahead. This can help you feel more focused and motivated as you move forward. Consider setting both short-term and long-term goals, being mindful to move slowly through your goals, one at a time.
Get organized.
The holidays can be a chaotic time, and it’s easy to let things slip through the cracks. Take some time to get organized and get your life back in order. This might mean decluttering your home, creating a budget, or setting up a system for managing your time and tasks.
Take care of your health.
In fact, the holiday can take a toll on your physical and mental health, so make sure to prioritize self-care. This might mean eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and making time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, don’t be afraid to reach out for support from friends, family, or a mental health professional such as a therapist or psychologist.
Getting back into your normal routine after the holiday doesn’t have to be a chore. Therefore, by a little planning and some self-care, you can start the new year off feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
For more support, reach out to Dr. Carla to get more specialized tips.
