How to Truly Rest and Recharge Over the Holidays for a Strong Start in the New Year

Summary

Here's the truth: If you want to show up ready to tackle the new year with focus, energy, and creativity, you have to give yourself the space to fully step back first. Let's talk about how you can intentionally disconnect, recharge, and return in January stronger than ever.

By Win Dean-Salyards, Senior Marketing Consultant at Heinz Marketing

The holidays are coming up, and while we all know we need the break, actually taking it is another story. For many of us, the end-of-year rush feels like a sprint to tie up every loose end before the clock runs out. “Just one more thing” can easily bleed into our planned downtime, leaving us frazzled instead of refreshed.

But here’s the truth: If you want to show up ready to tackle the new year with focus, energy, and creativity, you have to give yourself the space to fully step back first. Let’s talk about how you can intentionally disconnect, recharge, and return in January stronger than ever.

Actually, Block Off Your Time

It’s easy to tell yourself, “I’ll relax over the holidays,” but work can creep back in without boundaries.

Here’s the fix: Treat your time off like an important meeting. Block off your calendar, set your out-of-office message, and communicate with colleagues and clients when unavailable. Need help enforcing those boundaries? Share your holiday plans with a friend or partner who can hold you accountable for not working.

Rest Doesn’t Have to Be Productive (and Rest Itself is Productive!)

Let’s get one thing straight: Rest isn’t a reward for being productive. It’s necessary. Yet many of us feel guilty if we’re not checking off a box, even during downtime.

This winter, give yourself permission to rest in whatever form feels restorative. That might mean curling up with a good book, watching cheesy holiday movies, or getting outside for long walks. Resist the urge to fill your days with overly ambitious goals or projects (even that stack of unread books).

Disconnect to Reconnect

We’ve all been there: scrolling through emails or Slack “just to check in” and suddenly being pulled back into work mode. The problem? Even five minutes of work can undo hours of rest. Your brain doesn’t distinguish between small work and big work—it just knows it’s back on duty.

Try setting a hard rule this holiday season: No checking work email, Slack, or projects. If the temptation is strong, remove the apps from your phone for the week (you can always reinstall them later).

Reflect on the Year (Without Judgment)

The end of the year is naturally a time to reflect, but here’s a tip: Don’t turn it into an exercise in self-criticism. Instead, approach your reflection with curiosity and gratitude.

Ask yourself:

• What went well this year?
• What surprised me?
• What am I proud of?
• What do I want to leave behind in 2024?

Give yourself credit for the wins (big and small) and let go of any pressure to have had a “perfect” year. Your growth is worth celebrating.

Ease Back In—Don’t Rush

One of our biggest mistakes is treating January 1st like a launchpad. We dive back in with a pile of goals, projects, and to-do lists—and quickly feel overwhelmed.

Instead, approach the new year with a bit of grace. You don’t have to do everything right away. Take the first few days back to get organized, set priorities, and focus on what really matters most. You’ll find it easier to sustain your energy for the months ahead by pacing yourself.

Final Thoughts

The winter holidays are a gift: a natural pause at the end of a busy year to rest, reflect, and recharge. By setting boundaries, stepping away from work, and giving yourself permission to truly slow down, you’ll start the new year with clarity, focus, and energy.

So go ahead—block that time off, let yourself rest, and fully check out. The work will still be there in January, but you’ll be ready to tackle it with a clear head and a full tank.

Wishing you a restful, joyful holiday season and a strong start to 2025!