Refresh and Revitalize: Your Guide to Post-Holiday Detox

Post-Holiday Detox: Well, the holidays are over and a new year is officially upon us. Take a deep breath, you deserve it for surviving the craziest time of the year unscathed! Of course, it can be hard to start enjoying the fresh start if you’re still feeling tired, sluggish and rundown from the post-holiday season. Family visits, late nights and meals that aren’t, shall we say, the healthiest thing you can eat…it takes a lot out of you!

We’re sure there are plenty of New Year’s resolutions on your radar this time of the year. But let's get real! The best way to ensure you’re starting on the right foot is to refresh yourself from the hustle of the post-holiday season. That means it’s time for a good detox!

What do we mean by a detox exactly? You might be thinking of some crazy diet to flush out…whatever is in your system – and that’s part of it! We’re thinking of effective ways to detox both your body and your mind to start feeling good inside and out. There’s no need to rush into any drastic lifestyle changes! Our 5 tips to help you detox from the post-holiday season are easy enough to get you started. Trust us, you’re bound to feel better.

1. Take Stock Of Your Eating Habits 

Maybe you, like the best of us, had a few too many gingerbread men or very filling dinners this season. Delicious as they are, they probably don’t leave you feeling 100%. But the way to compensate is not to dive into any crash diets. Instead, start small – it will be so much easier to build good habits this way! Start by clearing out any holiday treats from your home – candy canes? Leftovers? Fruitcake? It doesn’t matter, get them out of your kitchen! instead, stock up on fresh and healthy foods that you enjoy, such as fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins.

2. Get A Good Night's Sleep

Holiday fun usually doesn’t come without late nights, especially on New Year's Eve! A lot of us find ourselves on the other side of the New Year with some pretty messed up sleeping habits. Exhaustion and poor sleep can lead to more than just a grouchy mood. Studies have shown that just one bad night of sleep can cause health changes throughout your whole body!

This year, start making a point to ease back into a normal schedule. Yes, that means a solid seven to nine hours per night! Also, get into a luxurious bedtime routine to help you relaxed, like a bubble bath and some relaxing music. Also, limit your screen time before bed! The light from your computer, phone or TV can make it hard for your brain to “switch off” when it’s time to sleep. Make it the perfect opportunity to dig into that book you’ve been putting off!

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Did you drink more mulled wine and eggnog than water this season? Understandable, but hardly the best thing you can put in your body. One of the quickest and easiest ways to detox after the holidays is by upping your water intake. Most people are actually more dehydrated than they realize. Getting the right amount of water can help clear your skin, improve your digestion and promote positive mental health – that’s right, just from drinking water! Invest in a good reusable water bottle (go easy on the plastic please!) and start carrying it with you to encourage and remind yourself. Need a little flavor? Try chopping up some fresh fruits and herbs to toss inside for a yummy pop. Strawberries, lemons, cucumbers, and mint are great for this!

4. Look Out For Better Habits

It’s a sad fact, but the majority of folks never follow through with their New Year’s resolution past the first month. And that’s probably because they jump into a new vigorous routine too quickly. It’s hard for anybody to commit to an intense new diet or exercise routine – and it’s even easier to quit. This year, start by making small changes, especially looking for good habits you can easily integrate into your life. Make a commitment to exercise once per week, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, for example. These are the kind of changes that will add up quickly!

5. Spend Time With People Who “Recharge” You

The holidays are a time for togetherness, but with some families that can easily lead to too much togetherness. A great way to detox? Also,

spend time with people who make you feel like your best self. Think of them as “rechargers” to cleanse your spirit. Grab coffee with a friend, catch up over dinner with your closest sibling or plan a low-key happy hour with your coworkers. Surround yourself with the people who make you happiest, and those stressful feelings will lift away.

What are your favorite ways to ‘detox’ after the holidays? Let us know in the comments!