How to beat the Twixmas slump - 10 ways to recover and reset your body

It can feel like we are in a bit of a rut once the festivities are over and the hangovers kick in. But there are measures we can take to ease the post-Christmas pain

Sea swimming can reduce stress, improve circulation, and help boost the immune system, as well as dull aches and pains. Picture iStock.

The table settings have been put away, the leftovers are in the fridge, and the parties are over (for now). 

Christmas is officially behind us, and after weeks of prepping, shopping and socialising, we can finally relax. 

But there are only so many hours you can spend by the fire, and many of us can feel like we’ve entered a bit of a rut as the last days of December drag on.

Chartered work and coaching psychologist Leisha Redmond McGrath says experiencing a post-Christmas slump is normal, even natural. 

It’s a culmination of late nights, bad food, maybe a little bit more alcohol than you usually consume.

"We’re more likely to put toxins into our bodies at Christmas, which can take its toll,” she says.

“Once the adrenaline starts to peter out, you realise how tired you are. You have to remember that it’s winter: nature is in hibernation mode, and our nervous systems are pulled toward quiet time. 

"It’s a time to rest, digest, reflect and slowly get back to normal.”

Here are 10 ways to recover and reset your body.

Connect with old friends

You’ve probably clocked enough hours with family over the past week, so now might be the perfect moment to catch up with friends over a cup of tea, a walk, or a video call. 

Now might be the perfect moment to catch up with friends over a cup of tea, a walk, or a video call. Picture: iStock.

Try contacting someone who lives abroad and missed Christmas at home, or stroll around your town and see who you bump into.

“It’s an especially great time for those who live away to reach out to people they grew up with,” says Redmond McGrath. 

“I love to go for hikes with my friends after Christmas or just get out and walk around the neighbourhood.”

Ease into exercise

Walking can also be a great way to get back into exercising after an indulgent few days. Clinical nutritionist and health coach Nichola Flood, aka The Queen of Health, says planning a stroll with loved ones will not only help get everyone off the couch but also prevent injuries and ease stress.

“Starting the new year with exercise doesn’t have to mean jumping into intense workouts right away,” she says. 

Easing into it allows your body to adjust gradually, reducing the risk of injury and making it easier to build consistency.

"A morning walk is a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh air, clear your mind, and set a positive tone for the day.”

Stretching

You can also get the body moving by doing some simple stretches. Sitting in a chair for too long can cause muscles like hamstrings to become tight, leading to injury or strain.

 

There are countless videos online to help guide you, or you could try out a local yoga class. Picture: iStock.

According to a study by Colorado State University, stretching has also been shown to increase serotonin levels, which can help to reduce stress and stabilise our mood. 

There are countless videos online to help guide you, or you could try out a local yoga class.

Check out a local event

Between now and the new year, many local events are taking place. The ice rinks and Christmas stalls at the Marina Market and Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork are open until mid-January. 

Between now and the new year, many local events are taking place.

Also, concerts are taking place in Cyprus Avenue in Cork, the INEC Arena in Killarney, and Dolan’s in Limerick, including by big acts like Gavin James and The Coronas.

Fota House will display its immersive Wonderlights exhibition until January 4, and tickets are still available for the last few nights of the Improv Panto at Cork Opera House. 

If you want some fresh air, you could also support the Munster Rugby team as they take on Leinster in Thomond Park on December 27.

Take on a new project

If you want to stay in, now might be the time to tackle any small jobs around the house you’ve been putting off. 

Redmond McGrath recommends trying out some small DIY or crafts projects, or you could do some light tidying, like reorganising your wardrobe.

Wild swimming

The Christmas swim might be over, but the sea is still there for the taking. According to a 2023 study in the Irish Medical Journal, sea swimming can reduce stress, improve circulation, and help boost the immune system, as well as dull aches and pains. 

Sea swimming can reduce stress, improve circulation, and help boost the immune system, as well as dull aches and pains. Picture iStock.

However, local water temperatures can dip to as low as five degrees in December, so be prepared and always put safety first.

Hydrate

One of the most important things you can do after Christmas is to drink lots of water. 

Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins, rehydrate your cells, and restore your energy. Picture: iStock

“Christmas often involves rich foods, sweets, and alcohol, which can leave your body dehydrated,” says Flood.

“Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins, rehydrate your cells, and restore your energy. Make water a priority — your body will thank you.”

Try a new recipe

Ditch the turkey sandwiches and try out a new recipe while you have some downtime. 

Cooking and baking have been proven to stimulate the brain and alleviate stress, and they can act as a great creative outlet. 

Cooking and baking have been proven to stimulate the brain and alleviate stress, and they can act as a great creative outlet. 

Open an old cookbook, turn on a cooking show, or check out the Irish Examiner’s food section for inspiration.

Reviewing your year

As 2024 draws to a close, it might be nice to recap your favourite memories from the past 12 months or think about your intentions for next year. 

It’s also nice to make a vision board for the year ahead with some of the things you want to work toward. Picture: iStock.

“It’s a great time to think about the things that went well, any goals you had, what you learned,” says Redmond McGrath. 

“It’s also nice to make a vision board for the year ahead with some of the things you want to work toward.”

Rest

It’s crucial not to push yourself too hard over the next few weeks. Christmas is a lot, and sometimes, the best thing you can do for your body is give it a break.

“It’s important to be gentle with yourself,” says Flood.

Christmas is a lot, and sometimes, the best thing you can do for your body is give it a break. Picture iStock.

And don’t worry if you step back from achieving your goals for a while, adds Redmond McGrath. 

“Rest is the best thing you can do for your system at this time.”