The holiday season is a whirlwind of celebrations, indulgences, and disrupted routines. Whether your days were packed with travel, festive feasts, or simply stepping away from the usual grind, it’s normal to feel a little off balance as you transition back to your everyday life. Here’s how to rebuild your routine after the holidays and ease into healthy habits without the pressure of perfection.
The Post-Holiday Slump
First, let’s acknowledge it: the post-holiday slump is real. Irregular meal times, skipped workouts, and a plethora of tempting treats can throw even the best routines off track. But here’s the good news: falling off doesn’t erase all the progress you’ve made. Think of this time as a reset button—a chance to start fresh, armed with the experiences of the past.
Simple Steps to Rebuild Your Routine
1. Meal Prepping Made Easy
Start small. Meal prepping doesn’t have to mean cooking an entire week’s worth of meals in one go. Instead, focus on prepping one or two meals or snacks to make your day easier. For example:
- Chop veggies for quick salads.
- Prepare overnight oats for an easy breakfast. These small steps reduce decision fatigue and make healthy choices more accessible.
2. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is more than bubble baths and candles. It’s about recharging your batteries in a way that works for you. Maybe it’s:
- 10 minutes of journaling.
- A quiet morning coffee before the kids wake up.
- A quick skincare routine. Schedule this time into your day—it’s not selfish; it’s essential.
3. Incorporate Daily Movement
Movement doesn’t need to be a high-intensity workout to count. Even 10 minutes of physical activity can make a difference. Try:
- A brisk walk.
- Gentle stretching.
- Dancing around the living room with your kids. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
The Power of Mindset: Be Kind to Yourself
If you’re feeling off track, remember this: You’re not starting over from scratch; you’re starting from experience. Shame and guilt aren’t productive. Instead, embrace self-compassion. Celebrate small wins, and recognize that progress is never linear. Each positive choice you make is a step forward.
A Special Invitation for Moms
If you’re a postpartum mom looking to reclaim your health this year, I have a free class coming up on January 10th: “How to Lose Weight Postpartum Without Sacrificing Your Milk Supply.”
In this class, you’ll learn:
- The #1 mistake moms make when trying to lose weight postpartum.
- How to start losing weight without restrictive dieting.
- Simple strategies to feel confident in your body this year.
If you’re seeing this after January 2025, don’t worry—you can still get access to the replay! Visit my Instagram @malsdailydish for details on how to watch.
Final Thoughts
Rebuilding your routine after the holidays doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start small, stay consistent, and give yourself grace. You’re capable of so much, and every step forward matters.
If this blog resonated with you, share it with a fellow mom who might need encouragement. Here’s to fresh starts and a wonderful year ahead!