10 Ways to Unwind and Relax After the Holiday Chaos
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Time to read 4 min
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Time to read 4 min
The holidays are a wonderful but often stressful time filled with parties, gift shopping, cooking, entertaining, and more. By the time January rolls around, many people are feeling worn out and in need of some serious rest and relaxation. If the holiday hustle and bustle has left you feeling frazzled, here are 10 great ways to relax, recharge, and start the new year feeling refreshed.
For a unique and fun way to de-stress, sign up for a Puppy Yoga & Bubbly class at Puppysphere. Puppysphere offers special yoga classes where adorable, playful puppies roam the studio and interact with participants. The combination of gentle yoga, champagne, and puppy cuddles is the perfect recipe for melting away tension and putting a smile on your face. Check the Puppysphere website to find a class near you and book a fun outing with friends.
Tight shoulders, sore muscles, and tension headaches are common after the holidays. Treat yourself to a professional massage to work out those knots and kinks. Swedish massage is a gentle, relaxing option, while deep tissue massage provides more intense pressure to release chronic muscle tension. Add on extras like hot stones, aromatherapy, or a foot treatment for the ultimate pampering experience.
Being glued to your phone checking social media can actually increase stress and anxiety. Take a digital detox for a few days or weeks to relax and focus on face-to-face connections. Uninstall apps, turn off notifications, or even put your phone in a drawer for set periods of time. Use your break to read a book, take a walk, meditate, or enjoy a screen-free hobby instead.
Progressive muscle relaxation is a simple technique that involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in sequence to release tension from head to toe. Lie down in a quiet space and starting with your feet, contract each muscle group for 5-10 seconds, then release. Work your way up your body, tensing and relaxing your legs, glutes, abs, arms, hands, neck and face. Focus on your breath and the sensation of relaxation as you go.
Engaging in a relaxing hobby is a great way to de-stress after the holidays. Dust off your knitting needles, pick up your paintbrush, do a jigsaw puzzle, play an instrument, work on your car, or tend to your garden. Focusing your mind and hands on an enjoyable leisure activity lowers stress, reduces anxiety and depression, and gives you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Spending time in nature is a proven way to lower stress and improve mood. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, hit the ski slopes, or just sit outside and breathe in the fresh air. Exposure to natural light helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle so you feel well-rested. Exercise produces endorphins that make you feel good. Even 15-20 minutes outside provides benefits, so bundle up and enjoy the great outdoors.
A warm bath before bed is an excellent way to unwind after a long day. Add Epsom salts to soothe tired muscles, or try lavender essential oils for relaxation. Light a candle, play soft music, and give yourself 20-30 minutes to soak. The drop in body temperature when you get out actually makes you drowsy, so it's the perfect pre-bedtime ritual. For extra luxury, give yourself a pedicure or apply a face mask while you bask in the tub.
If it's too cold to go out, plan a movie marathon at home. Choose a theme like '80s favorites, Oscar winners, or comedy classics and queue up a few on your watchlist. Make some popcorn, put on your coziest pajamas, and snuggle up on the couch for a low-key day of R&R. Press pause and take breaks to stretch and rest your eyes between films. For bonus points, make it a movie swap with friends where you trade favorites to discover new gems.
Laughter and friendly competition make game night a great way to de-stress. Invite friends over for board games, charades, trivia, or cards. Crunching on snacks, sipping drinks, and enjoying each other's company shifts focus away from holiday stress and on to making happy memories. Keep things light and fun by choosing games that aren't too competitive or complicated. Cranium, Clue, Scattergories, and Pictionary are great options.
Sometimes a change of scenery is the best way to hit the reset button after the holidays. Book a weekend getaway to a nearby destination for some dedicated relaxation time. Choose a quaint bed and breakfast, rent a cozy cabin, or splurge on a spa resort. Leave your laptop at home, unplug as much as possible, and spend your time sleeping, reading, walking, lounging and enjoying leisurely meals. You'll come back to reality rested, recharged, and ready to tackle the year ahead.
The holiday season is both joyful and stressful, often leaving us in need of deep relaxation in January. From taking a unique puppy yoga class, to scheduling a massage, taking a social media break, or enjoying a hobby or getaway, there are many great ways to unwind and reduce post-holiday stress. Make time for self-care with these ten tips and set the stage for a positive, productive new year.