The holidays are magical - but let’s be honest, they’re also exhausting. Between family gatherings, endless to-do lists, and overindulging in treats, it’s easy to feel completely wiped out by the time the new year rolls around. The good news? Getting back to a calmer, more balanced version of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are 10 easy, no-pressure ways to de-stress from the holidays and reset your mind and body.

1. Prioritize sleep

Let’s face it: Holiday schedules often throw our sleep patterns completely out of whack. Give yourself permission to catch up on rest. Create a calming bedtime routine - dim the lights, read a book, and maybe even sip on a cup of matcha to unwind. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep to help your body and mind recover.

Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Some easy ways to improve your sleep quality include:

• Avoid large meals and alcohol before bedtime. If you’re hungry at night, have a light healthy snack like almonds or a banana instead. 
• Turn down the temperature in your bedroom. Sleeping in a cool, dark, quiet space ensures you get the deepest most restful sleep. 
• Stick to a bedtime routine. Creating a simple, repeatable routine before bed every night (no matter where you’re sleeping) will help your body and mind learn to expect when it’s time to sleep and fall asleep faster. Try a cup of sleep inducing tea like chamomile, reading a book or meditating for a few minutes. 

2. Take a long walk in nature

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Lace up your shoes, bundle up if it’s cold, and head to your favorite park or trail. Studies show that spending time in nature can lower stress levels, improve your mood, and help you feel more grounded. Plus, it’s a great way to get some fresh air after spending days cooped up indoors.

Exercising also helps improve sleep quality, metabolism and digestion and fight seasonal depression! 

3. Declutter your space

The post-holiday mess is real. Taking some time to tidy up can work wonders for your mental health. Start small - maybe it’s clearing off your kitchen counter or finally tackling the pile of gift wrap in the corner. A more organized space can make you feel lighter and more in control.

Knocking small things off of your to-do list can make a big impact on your ability to relax, de-stress and focus on other tasks at hand (like holiday cards and decorating the Christmas tree!) 

4. Sip on matcha green tea

If the holidays left you feeling sluggish or jittery from too much coffee and sugar, it’s time to give matcha green tea a try. Packed with antioxidants, matcha is a natural pick-me-up that won’t leave you crashing later. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation while keeping your mind sharp. Sip on a warm matcha latte in the morning or during your afternoon slump for a calming energy boost.

The antioxidants and catechins in matcha are also scientifically proven to help you avoid getting sick, improve your metabolism and boost your social cognitive abilities so you’re a great dinner party guest with a bigger and better social battery. 

Love the benefits of matcha but can’t handle the caffeine? Try decaf matcha! 

5. Move your body

Exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym for an intense workout. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or dancing around your living room to your favorite playlist, movement can help release pent-up stress and boost your mood. The key? Choose something that feels good and fun - no pressure required.

There are tons of surprisingly low effort ways to move your body and burn calories! Try getting a massage, sitting in a sauna or trying a cold plunge. 

6. Treat yourself to a bath

A warm bath is like a giant reset button for your body and mind. Add some Epsom salts or your favorite essential oils, light a candle, and let the stress melt away. Baths are great for soothing sore muscles and calming your nervous system.

Craving a bath but don’t want to feel sleepy afterwards? Sip on a yummy hot matcha green tea drink to enjoy calm, stress free energy. You’ll be able to close your eyes and relax or read a book in the bathtub and have the sustained, steady energy to tackle your day when you get out. 

7. Journal your thoughts

The holidays can stir up a lot of emotions - some good, some not-so-great. Journaling is a simple way to process those feelings and clear your mind. Write about what you’re grateful for, what you’d like to leave behind from the past year, or your hopes for the year ahead.

Journaling is also a great morning or nighttime routine to adopt. Routines help set subconscious expectations for our bodies that allow transitioning from one activity to the next or one time of day to another a lot easier and less stressful. 

8. Unplug for a day

Social media can be a wonderful way to stay connected, but during the holidays, it can also feel overwhelming. Take a day to step away from your screens. Use the time to read, cook, or catch up with a friend in person. Trust us - you won’t miss the constant scrolling.

Meet for a matcha date to level up your no-screen time. Matcha can boost your social cognitive abilities and give you jitter free energy so you’re focused on spending time with the people you love and not feeling anxious about staying off your phone. 

9. Try guided meditation or deep breathing

You don’t need to be a meditation pro to feel the benefits. Apps like Calm or Headspace make it easy to start. Even a few minutes of deep breathing can help you feel calmer and more present. Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four - it’s that simple.

Having trouble quieting your mind to have a successful meditation practice? Try drinking some matcha to calm that monkey mind. 

10. Plan something to look forward to

Post-holiday blues can hit hard, so give yourself something exciting to focus on. It doesn’t have to be big - a matcha date with a friend, a weekend getaway, or even a cozy night at home with your favorite movie. Anticipating something fun can be a powerful mood booster.

Level up your plans by adding a wellness element to your itinerary. Instead of meeting a friend for coffee, meet for matcha. Book a massage for yourself that includes essential oils and sound therapy. Pick a weekend getaway spot with access to a sauna and cold plunge. Adding any wellness based feature to a trip or activity will leave you feeling both mentally and physically refreshed. 

The bottom line

De-stressing after the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Small, intentional actions - like sipping on matcha, taking a walk, or spending five minutes breathing deeply - can make a big difference. The goal is to ease back into your routine and give yourself the space to recharge. So, go ahead and pick a few of these tips to try this week. Your body and mind will thank you for it. Cheers to a calmer, more balanced start to the year!

Disclaimer:

Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

Resources:

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Hunter, M. R., Gillespie, B. W., & Chen, S. Y. (2019). Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 722. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00722

Kimura, K., Ozeki, M., Juneja, L. R., & Ohira, H. (2007). L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biological psychology, 74(1), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2006.06.006

Pascoe, M. C., Thompson, D. R., Jenkins, Z. M., & Ski, C. F. (2017). Mindfulness mediates the physiological markers of stress: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of psychiatric research, 95, 156–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.08.004

Sharma, M. P., & Andrade, C. (2012). Behavioral interventions for insomnia: Theory and practice. Indian journal of psychiatry, 54(4), 359–366. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.104825