Raphael Stevens

If you’re staring at your calendar wondering just what on earth you’ll do during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, I’m here to help you take full advantage of that precious time off. Whether you want to check some things off your to-do list or kick back and take it easy, I’ve rounded up seven activities that I always try to do during this period away from work. Don’t let your hard-earned free time go to waste! Here are some of the best things you can do to make the most of the week between Christmas and New Year’s.

Catch up with faraway friends and loved ones.
Given that many people are off work the week between Christmas and New Year’s, this can be a great time to schedule those long overdue coffee dates, happy hours, and everything else you wish you had time for during the rest of the year. I love using this period as a chance to catch up with long-distance loved ones, too. Text your college crew and get some FaceTime dates on the calendar, or take some time to finally call your grandma as you take a leisurely afternoon stroll. As a bonus: If you’ll be spending this period of time alone, chatting with loved ones will help you feel a bit more connected to those who care about you.

Tackle an organization project.
New year, new ultra-organized me, am I right? Maybe not, but I do find that taking on an organizing project during my time off (even if it’s a small one) always makes me feel productive and ready to start the new year on the right foot. My hall closet, for example, always reverts to a danger zone no matter how much I try to stay on top of things, so I like to give it a big clean-out once a quarter. Determine one way that you can streamline your life before January rolls around. Maybe that means finally sorting through your expansive collection of beauty products or taking unwanted clothing to a donation center. Trust me, you’ll feel much better after setting aside an hour or two to get organized ahead of the new year!

Shop post-holiday sales.
Are those holiday gift cards burning a hole in your wallet already? I’m with you. I love shopping post-Christmas sales to stock up on items I’ve had my eye on all season long. The day after Christmas, for example, is a great time to head to Target and grab heavily discounted holiday decor to tuck away for next year (for years, my mom, sister, and I would do this all together, which was always a blast). Maybe online shopping is more your speed, which makes things even easier. Change into your comfiest clothes and spend a cozy morning scouring the internet for the best deals of the year. Keep an eye out for sales on items you’ll rely upon throughout the year: makeup and skincare products, bedding, travel gear, and more.

Get closer to that yearly reading goal.
Whether you aimed to finish 10 different books or you’re well on your way to 100, there’s no time like the week between Christmas and New Year’s to finish your TBR list with a bang. Once you’re done with that last novel, make a list of your top titles of 2022 and share them with fellow book-loving friends. Then pre-order a few reads that you’re excited about for 2023! I love checking my mail to find a novel that I ordered months back; it’s the perfect mini surprise.

Whip up a new (healthy) recipe.
After weeks of holiday treats, you might be craving something a little more nutritious. Why not use your free time to try out a new healthy recipe that you’ll be able to replicate throughout the year? I’m always looking for new workday lunches, and by perfecting a recipe now, I’ll be less likely to run to Sweetgreen every time I’m craving kale. One of my favorite places to source new recipes is Pinterest—I like to save a few meal ideas that look good and then pull them up while at the grocery store to ensure I gather all the necessary ingredients.

Play tourist in your own city.
How often do you get to stroll around your city on a weekday? Take advantage of your time off work and book tickets to a theater matinee, check out that new museum, or simply admire all the holiday lights one more time before they come down. Even if traveling is off the table during your break from work, pretend to be a tourist in your own city by indulging in activities that you wouldn’t normally do on a weekday. Living in New York City, for example, I’d love to spend a slow December morning at the Met followed by a delicious weekday brunch and a brisk stroll through Central Park.

Binge-watch a show.
Who says that every moment of your time off needs to be productive? It certainly doesn’t—maybe all you want to do after a stressful year at work is simply lay back and veg out. So many amazing shows have come out with new seasons recently (like Dead to Me, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and The White Lotus), and if you haven’t gotten a chance to stream them yet… well, now you know what you’re doing for the rest of the week! If the weather outside is particularly dreary, even better! You officially have plenty to do while cooped up indoors.

7 Ways To Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Home More

In theory, I am all about resolutions. As a Capricorn and Type Three Enneagram, I thrive on setting goals and succeeding at whatever I put my mind to. However, after many years of setting resolutions only to look back at the end of the year and be dismayed at my lack of results, I’ve realized it wasn’t the goals I was setting for myself that were the problem. It was the social pressure of setting an often large, unrealistic resolution or two and trying to carry them out all at once. So I say we ditch making resolutions in the traditional sense this year and, instead, try to implement a different approach: making smaller changes we can see through little by little. Ahead, six practices healthy women use every year to set health goals and actually stick with them. 

1. Schedule smaller goals throughout the year
Even before the clock strikes midnight, we come across “new year, new you” marketing everywhere we turn. Whether it’s via social media, articles, or commercials, we’re encouraged to become a new person right off the bat. What’s more, there’s a mentality of we’re all in this together, making January the easiest month to stick with your health goals. But healthy women know that in order to set themselves up for success in the long-run, breaking up their goals into smaller micro goals is key.
Maybe you start by setting one large goal in January and identifying the actionable steps you need to take to achieve it, then set micro goals accordingly. For example, if you want to drink more water, start by increasing your intake by two ounces a week (perhaps with the help of a motivational water bottle), then another two ounces, and so on. The little wins you get every time you improve will be the encouragement you need to make it to the finish line. No matter when you decide to set goals, you can evolve a lot in one, three, or six months, so keep setting goals as you progress throughout the year. 

2. Categorize your goals
If you have a long list of health goals and feel overwhelmed by how you will achieve them all, categorizing is a great place to start. We all want to better our health, but it doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes too much too quickly can lead to burnout and defeat. Try categorizing your health goals by physical health, mental health, sleep, nutrition, etc. Then pick one goal from each category to start with, and start slow. By separating your intentions into different categories, it’ll help create balance in your wellness routine. And focusing on one goal at a time can help get you closer to reaching others. For example, improved mental health is likely to give you more energy for exercise and eating a well-balanced meal after a workout can help with muscle recovery. 

3. Keep a journal
Keeping yourself accountable to your goals is one of the biggest challenges and why so many resolutions fail. So the healthiest women know that tracking their progress (without shame or pressure) while staying curious about their intention can help them stay motivated when the newness of resolutions wears off. By keeping a progress journal, you’ll have a dedicated place to update and keep track of your successes, giving you clarity on what areas you might need to work on more or what goals you need to adjust. Journaling is also a great way to reflect on your intentions behind the goals you make and whether or not they will actually help you become your highest self. Think of your journal as your sacred space dedicated to your self-improvement—a safe space where you can ask yourself tough questions, push yourself to improve, and look back on weeks, months, or years later to see how far you’ve come. 

4. Plan monthly check-ins
Healthy women always treat their goals like monthly check-ups. Sure, you feel empowered about keeping a goal when you first set it, but a month or two goes by, and it’s easy to let it fall by the wayside. By checking in with yourself on your goals and progress once a month, you can assess what is working, what needs to be changed, or if you need to set a new goal entirely. For example, setting the goal of going to a HIIT class twice a week might work great in January, but when summer rolls around and you’re traveling or busy with other activities, that goal may be harder to achieve. And that’s OK. By checking in monthly, you can adjust to your life circumstances and still feel good about your progress.

5. Set a positive environment
PSA: Your environment plays a huge role in whether you achieve your goals. So set yourself up for success by eliminating distractions. For starters, survey your home and office and identify anything that could hinder you from sticking with your goals. If you want to cut down on your screen time, try placing your phone away from your bed. That way, you won’t engage in the ever-tempting morning or pre-bedtime scroll. Or if you want to get rid of tech neck, set up your desk with essentials that your body will thank you for.  If you want to meditate every morning, write a sticky note reminder on your bathroom mirror so you don’t forget. Even the healthiest women need a little help in achieving goals, and these little changes in your environment can go a long way.

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The decorations are coming down, Hallmark Christmas movies have come to a screeching halt, work is going back to its regularly scheduled programming, the last of the figgy pudding is gone, and we’re saying good riddance to 2022. Chances are the high of all the holiday cheer has given way to feelings of loneliness and sadness, AKA the post-holiday blues. While the symptoms of post-holiday blues are short-term, there’s no denying they are very real. Rest assured, they’re normal and you’re in good company. We’re coming down from the intense hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, shindigs, indulgences, and travel and facing the letdown of going back to business as usual. That said, there are things you can start doing today to snap out of the post-season funk. Read on for seven tips on how to feel happy when you’ve got the post-holiday blues. Time to get back in the groove.

1. Move your body intentionally
Call it a holiday hangover or a case of the post-fa-la-la-la-la blahs—no matter how you look at it, you’re in an emotional slump and you want out. Your workout routine may have been non-existent amidst the holiday madness, so what better time to shake off those “meh” feelings with a solid sweat sesh than today? When you have obé Fitness and its community at your fingertips, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home (who wants to bear the frigid temps?) and you’ve got built-in accountability. Start with one of their Express Classes because 10 minutes is all you need to get those endorphins going. In fact, exercising for just 10 minutes a day can make a difference—and have lasting, measurable effects on your health. What’s more, with 20+ class types and over 10,000 on-demand classes to choose from, there’s a workout for every mood, level, and fitness style. To banish the post-holiday blues once and for all, use code EGYEAR for one-year access to obé fitness for just $99 ($70 off)!

2. Reset your eating and sleep habits 
So we’ve established that the holiday rush didn’t leave much room (or energy) for working out, and if we’re being honest, the same went for keeping up our healthy eating and sleep habits. Between the cookies everywhere you turn and the Christmas movie marathons, who can blame us? I don’t have to tell you that those slices of pumpkin pie and glasses of eggnog can mess with your gut health (hello, bloat) and not prioritizing your beauty sleep can throw off your mood and energy. So hit reset on your diet by keeping the water coming to aid in digestion and prevent constipation and focusing on veggies and other whole, unprocessed foods to help keep you stay satiated and regular. While you’re at it, re-establish a consistent sleep schedule and get a solid 7-9 hours of shuteye in every night. Bonus points: Getting quality Zzzs can help you eat healthier (how’s that for a two-fer?).

3. Think ahead and make plans to look forward to 
After the spark of the holiday season has faded, it’s hard not to think back on the good times and feel a sense of dread (womp womp). Instead of ruminating on the past, try thinking about the future to help you feel better in the now. After all, giving yourself things to look forward to—no matter how small—can reduce stress and boost mood. In fact, simply visualizing and anticipating your future (best) self can lift your spirits. Whether it’s the matcha latte you plan to grab on your way to work, the new pair of boots you’re expecting in the mail, or your long-awaited trip to Iceland, make it a point to relish in the upcoming things and experiences that excite you. The result? You’ll cheer up in no time. And don’t forget to pepper in mood-boosting activities (the more the merrier!) throughout the year to spread the joy. 

4. Spruce up your home
We’re still in staying in season, which means spending more time at home. Do yourself and your mood a favor by doing a quick sweep of your abode. As empty as it may feel with the tree gone and all the tinsel stored away, it’s the ideal time to clean and declutter every nook and cranny. Because a tidy, organized space can improve your well-being, and there’s nothing more satisfying than checking off the dirty dishes in the sink, the growing piles of laundry, and the clutter on your desk. So pop in an inspiring podcast and get to it! Then, hygge your home with warm elements (you can never have enough candles), layered textures (give me all the warm throw blankets), and natural touches (a new plant, anyone?). Bottom line: Making your crib comfy cozy translates to optimal health and happiness. 

5. Reflect and set intentions 
While this may be a given when the New Year and resolutions are top of mind, setting attainable goals—whether health, personal growth, career, or relationship-related—makes us happier. Jumpstart the year by reflecting on what your highest self looks like, creating clear and realistic objectives to become her, and planning out actionable steps to achieve them. Perhaps you want to level up your meditation practice. What are things in your control that you can do each day or week to improve it? Is it dedicating two minutes first thing in the morning to sit in stillness, listening to one guided meditation every afternoon to break up the day, or exploring a new technique each week until you find the one that suits you best? Having an achievable purpose to set your sights on will help enhance your well-being in the present, while progressing toward it will help bring about ongoing happiness and satisfaction.  

6. Pile on the self-care
PSA: Now is the time to especially listen to what your mind and body need. Your “me” time and healthy routines have taken a back seat to the whirlwind of the holidays, and enough is enough. Enter: all the self-care. While there’s no one-size-fits-all self-care practice, you can take your pick—from journaling and going for a walk to diving into that must-read novel and blocking off your entire Sunday for Pilates, a lymphatic massage, and a mani-pedi. It goes without saying that you don’t have to do it all at once (but by all means!)—do what works and feels best for you, and switch it up from time to time according to your ever-changing needs. Whatever you choose, you can expect reduced stress levels, higher self-worth, and overall improved well-being. Who says you can’t give yourself gifts (material or in the form of self-care) year-round? 

7. Get outside
There’s a reason it’s called nature therapy. While we’re staying indoors more this time of year, we can reap a host of mental health benefits by being one with nature: increased happiness, decreased anxiety, stress, and depression, and better focus. Try forest bathing (AKA a nature walk) where you connect with nature through your five senses, visit a local botanical garden, participate in a sound bath, play with your dog in a park, or sip your morning coffee on your balcony. The world is your oyster. A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology showed that just five minutes in nature can make you happier. For the times you’re too cozy in bed to move or it’s a tad too cold to bear staying outside for a prolonged period of time, you can bring the outdoors in by adding plants to your home, cueing soothing nature sounds via an app, or using a light therapy box to mimic the effects of being in the open air. 

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This post contains a sponsored inclusion of obé Fitness, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More