The holidays are finally over! Perhaps you enjoyed every minute, or you’re finally taking a breather from all of the food, family, and friends. No matter which, it’s time to get back into a routine.
Unfortunately, finding your groove again isn’t always easy.
Most people go into the new year with the best of intentions. But, it can be hard to find the motivation to get into a steady rhythm. That includes getting back into work, motherhood, relationships, and just feeling like yourself.
So, what can you do to get your groove back after the holidays and feel better than ever this year?
1. Get Organized
You don’t have to wait until springtime to get a jump start on cleaning and organizing around your house. It’s time to find some permanent places for those holiday gifts and put the decorations away. The sooner you do, the sooner your living space will start to feel more “normal” again.
It’s also an excellent time to commit to planning. Buy a calendar or daily/weekly planner you can use to stay on track with things for work, lunch dates with friends, and appointments for yourself, your kids, or even your new baby.
2. Set Priorities
Setting priorities for yourself and your family doesn’t have to be a “resolution” you make for the new year. It can be a lifestyle choice you’ll use for years to come. Think about the things you want to get done and figure out how you’re going to prioritize them.
Maybe you want to exercise every day, but you’re worried about a busy schedule. That might mean having to wake up an hour earlier each day to get things done.
Consider your priorities and what’s most important to you this year. Then, work out ways to make those things happen.
3. Take Care of Your Body
With all of the holiday sweets behind you, it’s time to start focusing on your physical health. That doesn’t mean jumping on board with some over-the-top diet. It means eating right and getting enough physical activity each day.
Take a walk with your family. Or, resolve to make healthy meals at home more often instead of eating out. Grabbing fast food when you feel like you don’t have time to make something is a massive temptation, after all.
When you take care of your body, you’ll begin to have more energy. Add in exercise, and you can even start to feel happier, which can ward off things like depression and anxiety. And that’s just for starters.
4. Take Care of Your Mental Health
It’s no secret that the holidays can be overwhelming. Whether you had family members staying with you, endless parties to go to, or just planning a special time for your kids, it’s often a stressful season.
Taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as staying physically healthy. If you’re feeling stressed, worried, or overwhelmed, practicing meditation and mindfulness can help to keep you focused and centered—especially as a parent.
5. Reward Yourself
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have a difficult time finding your groove after the holiday season. Work toward your goals, both short-term and long-term, and reward yourself along the way.
If you have smaller goals, give yourself some personal incentives to reach them. It could be rewarding yourself with your favorite pizza on a Friday night after exercising all week. Or, going to the spa on a Saturday after organizing the house.
Small incentives can make a big difference in your stress level, and they can help you to stay motivated.
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By putting these tips into practice, you’ll start feeling like yourself again quickly, and you’ll be able to tackle whatever this year might throw at you.
Please reach out to me if you’d like support as you get back into the groove of your life. I would like to help.
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Jennifer Perera is a mom, spouse and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has over a decade’s worth of experience in mental health. She has a private practice in New Jersey, with locations in Cranford and Princeton. Her passion is helping new moms and dads find their joy again in parenthood through individual, group and couples counseling. Jennifer specializes in working with parents during the prenatal and postpartum periods and those coping with a pregnancy loss or infertility. Her other passion is travelling to different parts of the world and her goal is to vacation in a different locale every time. She also has a great fondness for cats!