The Gift of Resetting: A Christmas Reflection
Episode #348
Merry Christmas, everyone! This time of year is special, not just for the joy of holiday cheer, family gatherings, and festive feasts, but also for the opportunity it presents: a chance to reset.
For many of us, Christmas marks the beginning of a unique stretch of time—those magical days between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s a period where routines blur, responsibilities pause, and indulgence is almost a requirement. While it’s easy to get lost in the rhythm of holiday movies, naps, and too many treats, there’s a deeper value to be found in this pause—a chance to step off the treadmill of life and reset intentionally.
Embracing the Holiday Pause
Routine is essential for productivity and consistency, but it can also lead us to autopilot. Work schedules, gym sessions, daily commutes—these routines create structure but can also mask unhealthy habits. Whether it’s staying up too late, snacking mindlessly, or overworking, we often don’t notice these patterns until we have the space to reflect.
The holiday season provides that space. For once, the world seems to collectively slow down. Offices close, gyms relax their hours, and even the most ambitious among us are encouraged to put down their planners. It’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and realign.
The Art of Resetting
Here’s how you can make the most of this holiday reset:
1. Rest with Intention: Allow yourself to relax fully, whether that’s lounging on the couch, playing board games with family, or strolling through snowy streets. But rest doesn’t mean checking out completely—use this downtime to listen to your body and mind.
2. Reflect on Habits: Take a moment to evaluate the habits you’ve picked up throughout the year. Are they serving you? Maybe it’s time to rethink late-night phone scrolling or reevaluate your approach to self-care.
3. Redesign Your Routine: With the clarity that comes from stepping back, consider how you can tweak your daily schedule for the better. Small changes, like waking up earlier or swapping sugary snacks for healthier options, can make a big impact.
4. Reconnect with Gratitude: Christmas is about more than gifts and goodies—it’s a celebration of generosity, family, and gratitude. Take stock of the blessings in your life and let that gratitude fuel your reset.
5. Prepare to Reengage: By the end of the holidays, aim to feel excited about returning to your routine. If you’ve used this time well, you’ll be ready to jump back in with energy and purpose.
No Guilt, Just Joy
It’s easy to stress about overindulgence during the holidays. Maybe you’ve had an extra cookie (or ten) or skipped your workouts. That’s okay. Enjoy the moment. Two pounds gained during Christmas can be lost easily in the new year, but memories of shared meals and laughter are irreplaceable.
A Season of Renewal
As this year draws to a close, let Christmas be a time of renewal. Lean into the pause, embrace the reset, and savour every moment. Whether you’re binge-watching Home Alone for the umpteenth time or unwrapping gifts with family, let the spirit of the season rejuvenate you.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Here’s to a refreshed and revitalized start to 2025. 🎄✨
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Brandon Tumblin is most well-known for his podcast, The Strong Stoic Podcast, where he discusses philosophical ideas (solo and guest episodes).
Brandon is also a writer for THE STOIC, the official journal of The Stoic Gym.
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