The holidays are full of joy, connection, and special moments. But let’s be honest—they can also be a little overwhelming. For people with MS, this time of year can be especially tough. Managing stress, eating healthy, or finding energy is harder during the holidays. They have a way of throwing us off balance.
If you stayed on track with your healthy habits—great job! If you slipped a little or are just starting to take charge of your health, that’s okay too. The important thing is to look ahead and take small steps to reset. The new year is a fresh start, and it’s the perfect time to refocus on what makes you feel your best.
People like to make New Year’s resolutions but they rarely stick to them. Instead, make small actionable steps. For example, aim at drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. If needed, track how much you drink in one day—you might be surprised at how little you drink.
Healing your body doesn’t happen overnight. It can be a slow process that can take months or even years. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been living with MS. I lived with severe heat intolerance for about 20 years. Once I adjusted my diet and supplements, my heat intolerance disappointed. In just three months, it completely disappeared!
It’s about taking small, simple steps. These are designed to help you feel stronger and more in control of your health. Many people feel the need to reset after holidays filled with rich foods and busy schedules. No matter where you’re starting from, there’s always a way to take that first step. Let’s make this year one of the positive changes and renewed energy. You’ve got this!
Hydrate and Replenish
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Drinking more water is one of the simplest ways to reset after holidays and feel refreshed. Rich foods, sugary treats, and salty snacks can leave you feeling bloated and tired. Water helps flush out what your body doesn’t need and keeps you feeling refreshed.
For people with MS, drinking enough water can feel like a challenge. Bladder issues may make you hesitant to drink more, but cutting back on water only makes things worse. Dehydration can cause fatigue and brain fog. It can make bladder symptoms, like irritation, worse. It may also increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Staying hydrated helps your body work better. It can also reduce some of the discomfort linked to MS.
Start by drinking water steadily throughout the day. Don’t chug it all at once; sipping small amounts can help your body absorb it better. If you’re not sure how much you’re drinking, track your intake. Write it down using my free water tracker or use a simple app on your phone. You might be surprised at how little you’re drinking!
Hydrating foods like fresh fruits and vegetables can also make a difference. Oranges, cucumbers, and leafy greens hydrate your body. They’re also full of nutrients. If plain water feels boring, add lemon slices or fresh mint for a splash of flavor.
Staying hydrated helps you feel more energized and less bloated. It also makes it easier to manage your symptoms. It’s a small change that can make a big impact on your health.
Simplify Your Meals
After the holidays, it’s a good idea to focus on light, nourishing meals that are easy on your digestion. Light, nourishing meals like soups and smoothies are a perfect way to help your body reset after the holidays. They also provide the nutrients you need.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of drinking a cold smoothie when it’s below-freezing outside. That’s why I especially love making soup during the winter months. It’s warm, comforting, and so nourishing. Plus, it’s simple to make and easy to adjust based on what you have in your kitchen. A basic vegetable soup is a great place to start.
Here’s how to make a quick and easy vegetable soup:
- Chop up a few of your favorite vegetables. Think carrots, zucchini, celery, or squash—whatever you like or have on hand.
- Add them to a large pot with water. Start with enough to cover the vegetables, and add more if needed as they cook.
- Toss in some seasonings like Himalayan salt and garlic powder for flavor. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
- Simmer everything until the veggies are soft.
That’s it! If you want to make it creamy, you can blend part of the soup and add a splash of coconut milk. For extra protein, stir in leftover chicken or turkey, or simply enjoy it as is.
Simple meals like this give your digestion a break. They also fuel your body with vitamins and minerals. It’s a perfect way to ease back into healthy eating after the holiday rush. Plus, you can make a big batch and have it ready for a few days—saving you time and energy!
Set a Gentle Routine
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A gentle routine can make it easier to reset after the holidays and get back to feeling your best. It should feel manageable and support your well-being. A gentle daily routine can help you feel more grounded and in control, without adding stress.
Start with a simple plan. Include time for movement, rest, and self-care. This doesn’t need to be complicated! Just a few small habits can make a big difference.
For movement, try light stretching, yoga, or a short walk. Even 5-10 minutes is enough to wake up your body and boost your energy. If you’re feeling tired, listen to your body and keep it gentle.
Make sure to schedule rest, too. Allow yourself breaks during the day to relax and recharge. Rest isn’t just about sleep—it’s about giving your body and mind a chance to pause.
Finally, add a little self-care. It could be as simple as drinking tea or reading a favorite book. You might also spend a few quiet moments in gratitude. Small acts of self-care remind you to put your health and happiness first.
Creating a kind and manageable routine sets the foundation for healthier days. It helps you feel more balanced moving forward. Take it one step at a time—you’ve got this!
Declutter Your Mind and Space
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Clearing out physical and mental clutter is another great way to reset after the holidays. Don’t you feel better when there isn’t clutter around your house or workspace? Taking a few minutes each day to declutter your mind and space can help you feel more calm and in control. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.
Start with your home. Choose one small area to tidy up—maybe your kitchen counter, a drawer, or your bedside table. Clearing away the clutter can make your space feel lighter and more peaceful. You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Even five minutes of organizing can create a sense of accomplishment.
Do you know those plastic containers from premixed salad blends or spinach?? Don’t throw them away—they’re perfect for organizing! Use them under your cabinets or in your pantry to keep things tidy. Plus, it’s a great way to save money instead of buying expensive organizers.
Hei Bai (hey-by) our husky
One thing that has been a game-changer for me is my robot vacuum. I recently bought one, and I should have done it years ago! No more struggling with a vacuum, which can be tricky if you have balance issues. It handles the work for me while I focus on other things. Even our pets seem fascinated by it, watching it move around like they’re trying to figure out how it works—haha!
For your mind, try journaling your thoughts. Write down anything that’s been on your mind, whether it’s worries, plans, or even gratitude. Getting it out on paper helps you let go of mental clutter. It also makes room for new ideas and a fresh perspective.
Tidying your space and clearing your mind work together. They help you feel more centered and focused. Creating a calmer environment inside and out helps you focus. It prepares you for what really matters in the year ahead. Remember, small steps lead to big changes. Start where you are, and enjoy the process!
Plan for the Year Ahead
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Setting a small health goal for January helps create focus and momentum as you reset after the holidays. Instead of overwhelming yourself with big resolutions, start small. Focus on one achievable health goal for January. Small wins build confidence and create momentum for bigger changes.
Think about something simple that could make a difference. It could be drinking an extra glass of water each day or adding more veggies to your meals. You might also take a short walk in the morning. Choose something that feels doable for you and your lifestyle.
Write it down and keep track of your progress. Seeing your efforts add up, even in small ways, can be so encouraging. You don’t have to be perfect—what matters is showing up for yourself, even in little ways.
By focusing on one small step at a time, you’ll set yourself up for success. When January ends, you’ll have the confidence to take on bigger goals for the rest of the year. Each small win brings you closer to living the healthy lifestyle you deserve.
Reset After the Holidays and Feel Your Best
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By taking simple steps, you can reset after the holidays and start the new year feeling healthier and more energized. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about taking small, consistent steps toward feeling better. Drinking more water, simplifying meals, or creating a gentle routine are small steps. Each one adds up to big changes and makes a big difference. Each small step helps you feel healthier. Over time, these habits boost your energy and well-being.
Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and be kind to yourself along the way. The new year is your chance to refocus and prioritize what makes you feel your best.
If you’re ready to start the year strong, stay tuned for my upcoming email course launching in January 2025! It’s designed to help you eat healthier and feel better in just one day.
This course is all about making healthy eating simple and stress-free. You’ll learn how to plan your meals, discover delicious recipes, and save time with easy prep ideas. Plus, it comes with an interactive workbook to keep you organized and on track.
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated, and this course will show you just how easy it can be. Look out for more details soon. I can’t wait to help you start the year feeling empowered and excited about your health!
Let’s make this your healthiest year yet—one small step at a time. You’ve got this!
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How to Reset After the Holidays
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