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How to Reset After the Holidays and Get Back on Track

The holidays are always a blast—lots of food, family, and fun—but let’s be real: they can also totally throw you off your game. Between all the sweets, late-night movies, and zero structure, it’s easy to feel a little out of sync once the new year rolls around and feel like you need to reset after the holidays.

But hey, it’s all good! We’re here to help you reset, recharge, and get back on track with your goals and routines.

Getting Back On Track & Reset After The Holidays

Whether you’re looking to detox, jump back into your fitness routine, or simply regain your productivity mojo, I’ve got some tried-and-true strategies to help you hit the reset button and start the year strong!

Don’t let yourself feel intimidated by the task and remember that if you are feeling the blues a bit (or a lot!) that is totally normal. Give yourself some grace and gently remind yourself to do what you can and that whatever that is, it’s enough.

reset after the holidays

1. Start with a Gentle Detox

Okay, I’m not talking about some crazy juice cleanse where you can’t eat anything for days. Nope, that’s not my style. What I’m talking about is giving your body a little love after all the indulgence.

Think of it as a reset, not a punishment. Let’s be kind to both our bodies and minds by keeping a good balance of ambition and reasonability to meet ourselves in the place we currently are. Finding out how to reset after the holidays does not mean wearing yourself down more.

Here’s what I like to do to detox:

  • Hydrate like a boss. The holidays usually mean lots of sugary drinks, alcohol, and not enough water. First thing’s first: drink up! Start your mornings with a glass of warm water and lemon to kickstart your digestion and flush out any toxins.
  • Add in more greens. After all those holiday cookies (guilty!), it feels SO good to load up on veggies. I love making big salads or green smoothies packed with spinach, kale, cucumber, and ginger. It’s an easy way to sneak in those nutrients!
  • Cut back on sugar. I know it’s hard after all the holiday treats, but taking a break from refined sugar can help balance your energy levels and get you feeling like yourself again. Swap out sweets for fresh fruit when those cravings hit!

2. Ease Back into Fitness to Reset After the Holidays

If you’re like me, your workout routine might’ve taken a bit of a break over the holidays—and that’s okay! But now that we’re back, it’s time to get moving again.

Don’t feel like you have to dive straight into an intense workout plan. Instead, ease into it with these steps:

  • Start small. I love kicking things off with light cardio and bodyweight exercises. Try a 20-minute walk or a quick yoga session to get your body moving again without overwhelming yourself.
  • Set mini-goals. Rather than stressing over long-term fitness goals right away, set mini-goals for each week. Maybe it’s doing three workouts or trying a new fitness class. Little wins add up!
  • Find what excites you. The best way to stay motivated is to actually enjoy your workouts. Whether it’s dance cardio, a new Pilates routine, or a HIIT class, find something that makes you feel amazing and keeps you coming back for more.
  • Involve a friend. You probably won’t have a hard time finding a friend that is the in same boat as you when it comes to resetting after the holidays. Contact a friend or two and ask if they’d like to join you in a gentle revitalization of body and mind.
reset after the holidays

3. Revamp Your Routine for Productivity

After all the holiday chaos, getting back into a productive routine can feel like a major struggle. The energy feels zapped and motivation seemed to also get put away with all the decorations.

To reset after the holidays can be so hard. But trust me, you’ve got this! Here’s how I jumpstart my productivity after some time off:

  • Create a morning routine you LOVE. There’s something about starting your day with intention that sets the tone for everything else. I like to begin my mornings with a quick journal session, a gratitude practice, and some movement (even if it’s just stretching). Find a routine that energizes you and makes you excited to tackle the day.
  • Prioritize and plan. One thing I swear by is writing down my top 3 priorities for the day. I focus on the tasks that will make the biggest impact, rather than trying to tackle my entire to-do list at once. It helps me stay focused and avoid that post-holiday overwhelm.
  • Time block your day. If you’re struggling to get back into work mode, try time blocking. Set specific chunks of time for tasks like emails, deep work, and breaks. It keeps me on track and helps me avoid distractions (goodbye, endless Instagram scrolling!).

4. Re-establish Healthy Sleep Habits

Let’s be real, the holidays probably threw your sleep schedule out of whack. Late nights, holiday movies, and travel can leave you feeling a bit drained.

Don’t feel discouraged because this is entirely normal and definitely easy to fix. Now’s the time to reset your sleep routine so you can wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day!

  • Create a wind-down routine. One of my favorite ways to reset my sleep is by creating a calming bedtime routine. Think herbal tea, a good book, and turning off screens at least 30 minutes before bed.
  • Set a consistent bedtime. Getting back on a regular sleep schedule can do wonders for your energy levels. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to help regulate your internal clock.
  • Make your space a sleep sanctuary. Clean up your room, switch to cozy bedding, and maybe even light a candle or use some lavender essential oil to make your space as relaxing as possible.
get back on track following holidays

5. Practice Self-Care for Mental Clarity

The holidays can be emotionally draining, too—so let’s not forget to focus on our mental health during the reset! I’m all about adding little moments of self-care to stay grounded and recharged.

  • Journal it out. Sometimes, getting back on track means clearing mental clutter. Grab a notebook and write about your goals, thoughts, or anything that’s on your mind. It’s such a great way to reset mentally and emotionally.
  • Get outside. Even if it’s chilly, getting some fresh air can work wonders for your mood and energy. Take a walk, soak in some sunlight, and clear your head.
  • Take it easy. Be kind to yourself as you transition back into your routine. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. So, give yourself grace and focus on making steady progress!

Final Thoughts on How to Reset After The Holidays

The holiday season may have been a whirlwind, but resetting and getting back on track is totally doable. With some gentle detoxing, an easy fitness plan, productive habits, and a little self-care, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the refresh button on life. It’s all about easing into things, setting mini-goals, and taking care of yourself—both mentally and physically.

So, let’s do this! Let’s make this post-holiday reset our best one yet. We’re setting the tone for an incredible year ahead! 🌟

get back on track after winter celebrations
get back on track in the winter

About the Author

Anna Colino

Anna is a twenty-something living in the south. She's passionate about family, crafting, and continuing her education beyond her college degree.