If you are overly ambitious after the holidays, you may find yourself running out of steam sometime before the end of January. Most people have wizened up to the fact that New Year’s resolutions are nothing more than criminal promises, but many people still start off the new year at a rapid pace after feeling refreshed after the holidays. But what if, this January, you chose to slow down instead of rushing ahead? 

Resting is Not Laziness

Resting can be hard for many people, me included. I normally take two weeks off around the holidays to rest, rejuvenate, spend time with loved ones, and get some quality “me” time in. As an executive coach who spends most of my time focused on others, I am often guilty of putting myself last. This year, I decided to put my house first as we wrapped up a major renovation project. That foiled my rest and relaxation holiday plans so one of my goals this year is a commitment (already scheduled) to take more time off for myself.

Rest is not just about recovery; it is the foundation for growth and transformation. While getting quality sleep and taking naps are important, rest encompasses so much more. Embracing rest can improve mental health, enhance critical thinking skills, and foster personal reward. 

Here are a few ways to integrate more rest into your life:

  • Spend a few minutes journaling for mental clarity and reflection.  
  • Take a hot bath with Epsom salt to soothe muscles, improve heart health, increase your magnesium uptake and sleep more soundly. 
  • Go for a leisurely walk in nature to soak up Vitamin D and elevate your mood. 
  • Practice diaphragmatic breathing to calm your nervous system.
  • Listen to calming music, read a book for pure enjoyment (versus to improve yourself), or take the time to watch a sunrise or sunset. 

Go on a Digital Detox

Scrolling through social media or binge-watching Netflix might seem relaxing, but these activities are mindless, robotic and often leave us feeling drained rather than rejuvenated. Consider a digital detox to truly recharge. 

Unplugging from phones, social media, and TV creates stillness and quietness, allowing for purposeful choices and presence. For example, after a weekend spent binge-watching movies, I realized I felt worse—both physically and psychologically. Now, I limit my screen time and turn to books or other meaningful activities to relax.

Re-Think Your To-Do List

How many “to do” lists do you have right now? If we are not doing our work to do list, we are working on our personal or household lists. It is overly regimented, and we tend to move mindlessly working through these lists. In fact, many of us are driven by those lists! I have had clients who have every minute of their day scheduled, from 5:30am to 5:30pm or later. 

But instead of pushing yourself to see how much you can accomplish in January, try making mindful choices to bring more rest into your life. The first thing to do is evaluate exactly how you are spending your time. Then decide how to prioritize or re-prioritize your time. 

  • Are there tasks that do not need to be done? 
  • Can you delegate or outsource certain responsibilities? 

Think about what adjustments can be made to give yourself more time. My partner and I love to cook but with this house renovation project, we found ourselves not having time to cook. We realized we were eating out too much, which is not healthy, so we decided to subscribe to Thistle, a meal service that focuses on nutritious plant-based meals, for a few nights a week. It saved us time and helped us meet our goal of eating healthily. 

This was a success, so we looked at other things that could be eliminated or substituted in our lives. Going to the gym was another activity that took up a lot of time due to the commute. We invested in a Tonal home gym, and now I don’t have to pay for a trainer because I have a trainer right in our home! 

Question Everything

When my clients tell me they cannot slow down, I encourage them to question everything:

  • Do you really need to do XYZ?
  • Why is XYZ important? 
  • Can XYZ be done differently or more efficiently? 
  • What objections are holding you back from making changes? Are they real or reactive? 

Next, consider what would bring you the greatest sense of rest, rejuvenation, or intellectual stimulation. Are you missing time for reading, creative pursuits, or simply being? Focus on just adding one minor change and evaluating its impact before introducing another.

Related: Embrace Seasonal Resolutions for Lasting Change

A Call to Slow Down

This January, redefine success by choosing rest. Start small – whether it is a digital detox, simplifying your to-do list, or adding one restful activity – and reflect on the benefits. Rest is not just personal; it is a collective necessity that fosters growth, compassion, and a better world. Challenge yourself to do less and watch how it transforms your life.