The holidays are a whirlwind of activity—decorating, cooking, shopping, traveling, and hosting. By January, you might feel completely drained. The good news? This is the perfect time to rest and reset.
Why Rest is Essential
God designed rest for a reason. Even He rested after creating the world (Genesis 2:2). Rest isn’t just about physical recovery; it’s about spiritual renewal and reconnecting with what matters most.
Practical Ways to Rest and Reset
- Declutter Your Space: Start by clearing out the physical clutter left from the holidays. A clean space can bring mental clarity.
- Example: Put away holiday decorations, donate items you no longer need, and organize your living areas.
- Simplify Your Schedule: January doesn’t have to be packed with activities. Give yourself permission to say no and create margin in your calendar.
- Reconnect with God: Use this time to deepen your spiritual life. Spend time in prayer, worship, and Scripture.
- Example: Reflect on verses like Matthew 11:28 (“Come to me, all you who are weary…”).
- Prioritize Self-Care: Take care of your body with nourishing food, movement, and adequate sleep. Rest isn’t selfish; it’s stewardship. One thing I sometime hear in sessions or even just talking to people after the holidays is this idea that working on your health & fitness in the New Year is “ya know just what everyone does” as if this is a bad thing or theres shame in following this trend… but everyone also just ate a ton of sweets & heavy meals from October to December and the feelings about that being a trend is like “oh this is normal” so okay, but let’s also normalize the rhythm of self-care & healthier habits after that season as well. Anytime you’re working on yourself is a win and it doesn’t really matter what others are doing nor does it diminish your goals just because someone else might have the same ones.
- Reflect and Plan: Use this quieter season to set your intentions for the year ahead. Think about what God is calling you to focus on and how you can create balance in your life. Some people ask God to give them a word, some people chose a word for themselves & other’s journal ideas of what they want to see in the next year as well as thoughts from the previous year that stand out to them.
Remember, rest isn’t laziness—it’s obedience.
When you take time to reset, you’re better equipped to serve God and others. Embrace this slower season as a gift, and let it prepare you for the opportunities ahead. Trust that in the stillness, God is at work renewing your spirit.
Do you stop yourself before you start? Are you afraid of failure? Check out this blog post for some practical helps!
If this resonated with you today, I’d love to have you follow along on IG. Join for daily posts and stories full of encouragement, humor and practical tips for living with anxiety! Not on Instagram? Not a problem – Join the Newsletter Crew for the same great content packaged in 2 emails a month!
Disclaimer: While Britt is a licensed therapist this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.