9 Ways to Reset Your Body & Brain Post-Holiday

The holidays are coming to an end, and the approaching new year means it’s time for a fresh start: mind, body, and soul. I love this time of year for that exact reason. It just feels so good to start with a clean slate, doesn’t it?  Yes, it’s just another day, in actuality, but mentally it’s a time for new goals and a total reset, and there’s something really great about that. With that in mind, I’m sharing 9 ways to reset your body and brain post-holiday because let’s be honest: after all of the holiday fun and over-indulgence, I think we could all use a bit of self care!

1. Take Naps

The best form of self-care I know. Naps are such a great way to do a mini reset in the middle of the day and to recharge you and get you ready for the rest of your day. While it can be tempting to hit snooze or not even set an alarm at all, try sticking to a 20-30 minute nap. This little power nap (hey, it has that nickname for a reason) will improve your alertness and productivity without feeling groggy or making it hard to fall asleep later.

2. Get a Massage

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, getting a massage is such a nice way to reset your body (literally). It may seem like a luxury, but I encourage you to take the time and treat yourself – you deserve it! It’s great for alignment and getting those muscles relaxed and recharged. Not to mention, the time set aside of complete peace and quiet free of interruptions will give you a refreshed sense of serenity.

3. Hydrate

This is maybe the most important thing you can do for yourself, and the cheapest (read: free!) form of self-care. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! If you have a hard time staying on track with the recommended amount of water to drink each day, there are plenty of apps and smart water bottles to make sure you’re getting your daily dose of H2o.

4. Restorative Yoga

Make the start of 2019 the perfect opportunity to get into a routine with practicing yoga. After the new year, many places offer a free class or discounted class packages to help get you to get in the flow (see what I did there?) if you’re not a member already. It truly gets the body moving and helps to take care of those strong muscles of yours. Namaste, my friend.

5. Green Smoothies

Don’t judge a smoothie by its color. Green smoothies are packed with all of the necessary nutrients into one delicious drink. Not to mention, they are a natural energy booster and have amazing antioxidants to keep your immune system happy and healthy. Here’s a simple recipe to help get you started:

• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup pineapple
• 1/2 cup mango
• 1 banana

6. Aromatherapy

Smelling certain scents and trigger different reactions in your brain, and choosing the right ones can uplift your mood, making you happy and energetic. Consider getting a diffuser to keep at your desk or on your nightstand. There’s an essential oil for practically everything, so whether you’re feeling stressed, need to focus, or need a good nights sleep, a few drops of the right scent will help tremendously.

7. Take it Easy on the Caffeine

With the holiday season comes busy days that seem to have no end in sight, and sometimes a coffee run or a refreshing tea is necessary. But too much of a good thing is, well, too much. A little bit in the AM is great to help you kick-start your day, but go overboard and you can feel anxious and even restless well into the night. Try replacing one of your caffeine drinks with a caffeine-free substitute. Even decaf is a good alternative to the real stuff.

8. Meal Prep

When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This is why meal prep is so important! I usually prep on Sundays for the week ahead, and it makes reaching for healthy options throughout the week (on those busy weekdays) a breeze. Nowadays, there are lots of meal prep services that do the heavy lifting for you and may even be local to your community. Do a little research to see if there’s a small business nearby that you can support. Healthy life decision and shopping small?  Now that’s a win-win!

9. Stay in & Watch a Movie

The best part about this time of year is that there are usually loads of movie marathons going on. And, thanks to streaming services, you can easily create your own if you’re not feelin’ anything you find on TV. Rewatch an old favorite, try something new, or Google a list of the best movies of 2018 to catch any that you might’ve missed this year. Bonus points if you have some healthy popcorn for a snack and a snuggle bug or two to share the blankets with.