The holiday season can be a particularly stressful time no matter how you celebrate, and it can leave you feeling quite drained and in a disarray. Here’s a simple guide to detoxing your life after the holidays, from everything from your skin and mental health to your home.

Detoxing your Body

While I’m not totally hooked on the idea that you can detox your liver with an 8 day juice cleanse, I do believe that it’s possible to make your body feel more refreshed by “detoxing”. The holiday season is a time filled with hearty food, sweets, and stress which can all make you feel sluggish and out-of-tune. Here are some quick and easy ways to detox yourself physically:

At Home Spa Day

An at home spa day is a great way to both detox your body and also recharge your mind (see below!) Some great activities to include are a diy facial steam and mask, drinking a warm cup of “detox” tea (Yogi brand has some great tasting ones), and armotherapy. If you want an extra boost of the spa atmosphere, walk around in a plush robe and slippers all day!

Light Exercise

Although I’m not one for exercise, yoga and meditation (although meditation is not technically exercise) are both great ways to give your body that recharged feeling without hitting the gym, and there are many at home yoga and meditation videos on YouTube! If you’re looking for something more fast-paced, try going for a jog (or run!) around your neighborhood, and don’t forget to bring a friend along for motivation!

Recharging your Mind

If you’re anything like me, December is a particularly stressful month, and when I’m stressed it’s hard to get my feet back on the ground. Here are some of my favorite ways to recharge my mind after the holidays, or any other particularly stressful time for that matter!

Get Productive

A great way to de-stress and to get back on track is to get productive! Whether you’re cleaning your house, getting started on your goals for the new year, or even working on a hobby, feeling accomplished and setting yourself to a productive activity is a great way to declutter your mind and de-stress your life! If you can’t think of anything to do, try bullet journaling or listening to a podcast!

Take Some Time for Yourself

Another great way to de-stress is to simply take time for yourself. If being productive and staying busy tends to just add to your stress, try to set away a whole 24 hour block just for yourself! Start your morning slow and take your time getting out of bed. Then spend the day eating your favorite foods, doing your favorite low-effort activities (sudoku and binge watching are always great!) and maybe even take a bath. Whatever you choose to do, do it at your own pace and take as much time as you need.

Decluttering your Home

Decluttering is one of my favorite activities, and it’s not only a great way to de-stress but is also a great way to get your living environment out of the post-holiday chaos! Many people get a great deal of gifts and cluttering items during this season (fuzzy blankets and decorative mugs are usually top culprits!), and end up having them lay around for months on end without knowing where to put them! Here’s some tips on how to declutter your home and get it out of the holiday funk.

Donate!

The best way to get rid of unwanted gifts, or to get rid of something old that a new gift has replaced, is to simply donate. It can be hard to get rid of unwanted gifts if you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but by donating them you can justify it as giving to a good cause so that it’s not taken personally by the gift giver! Also, if you received a new pair of boots or kitchen appliance that replaces something you already have, you can donate your old item (if it’s still in good condition) instead of throwing it away. For more on deciding what to give away when you’re decluttering, read this article by Uncommonly Well.

Keep it for Regifting

A great under-utilized trick for items that are of good quality that you have no use for is to pack them away for future gift giving! Some great example items are knickknacks, clothes that don’t quite fit, or throw blankets you have no space for. If you round up these items and store them away neatly, they’re out of sight and out of mind until the next time you need a last minute gift (or if you decide you might want to use it after all!)

Happy Detoxing and Happy Holidays!