Seasonal Recovery Tips
The holiday season is one of the most joyous times of the year, but it’s often one of the busiest too.
If you feel like you could use a vacation after your winter break, here are some ways to regroup and get back on track in three key areas of your life.
Finances
Did you go a little crazy on presents this year? If so, don’t panic or shove your stress under the rug. Instead, spend some time reviewing your finances, noting how well you stuck to your budget and how much you currently owe between credit cards. Based on your income and essential expenses like rent or mortgage payments and utilities, formulate a reasonable plan for paying extra toward your debt every two weeks. Start with high-interest cards first to avoid paying significantly more over time.
Health
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself during the holidays, but depending on how much and how frequently you indulged, you might be feeling more sluggish and tired or weaker in the gym than usual. Don’t punish yourself by trying to get back on track too quickly—such behavior can have the opposite effect and result in burnout. Start slowly by setting smaller goals to ease back into a healthier routine. For example, vow to exercise one more day a week than you currently do and prioritize healthy proteins, carbohydrates, and fats at every meal.
Home
Your home might look like it was ransacked at the end of the season, especially if you hosted. To get it back to a sanctuary-like space, put away any holiday decor one room at a time, starting inside and working your way to the exterior. Then conduct a thorough deep-cleaning of your home; pay close attention to overlooked areas like light switch faceplates and doorknobs. Finally, bring in a few new decorative pieces, such as a vase of fresh flowers, to add some personality and make your living spaces pop long after the holidays have passed.