The holiday season is now upon us, and while this time of year is meant for us to enjoy, many Canadians struggle with the transition after the holidays. It’s no surprise why; with time off from work and school and changes to our daily routines and sleep patterns, getting back into your normal routine can be challenging.

For this reason, I’d like to share some tips to help you ease back into your normal habits, and start the New Year off stress-free.

Try A New Activity to Change Up Your Schedule

After a few days or a week off from your daily routine, many of us might dread the idea of going back to it, so now is the perfect time to add something new to our schedule to change it up! More and more evidence shows that exercise will help improve one’s mental health. In the New Year, I recommend signing up for a class at the gym that piques your interest or joining a recreational sports league. There are often deals or incentives to sign up during this time of year, and it’ll also accomplish many people’s resolution to add an active element to their schedule. 

Plan Something Exciting for the Future

Whether it’s a weeklong vacation, a weekend getaway, or even a night out with friends you haven’t seen in a while, planning a future event will bring you excitement and give you something to look forward to. At a time when your normal routine might seem a little bit gloomy, an event on the horizon is a great way to inject some positivity into your future. In fact, the process of planning a vacation actually increases your happiness!

Remember that Some Stress Isn’t Always Bad

Although your return to work or school can sometimes provoke stress, it’s important to remember that a little bit of stress can be good for you. The stress you feel now can serve as the drive you need to start a new project, or the motivation you need to adopt a positive new habit. Talk about how you’re feeling with your friends and family, because chances are that you have more in common than you realize. Knowing that others are feeling similar to you can offer relief and reassurance, and sometimes just one conversation is all it takes.

After the celebrations and festivities come to an end, the New Year offers you the chance to add some fun and revitalizing excitement to your routine. Remember that with just a few proactive steps, you’ll be excited and ready to get back into the swing of things come January. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!