Resetting and Recovering After the Holidays
(Summary) Many trauma survivors and dissociative systems find that January feels less like a fresh start and more like a recovery period. After weeks of heightened demands, social navigation, and nervous system strain during the holidays, the body and system often need time to settle before change feels possible. A January reset isn’t about reinventing yourself or pushing productivity—it’s about recovery, readiness, and returning to steadier rhythms. This post explores what a gentle, trauma-informed January reset can look like and offers examples of ways to support that process without pressure.
I’ve been talking about having a different kind of January — one focused on resets instead of resolutions. Today, I want to talk about what that can actually look like.
When I say “reset,” I don’t mean reinventing yourself or your life. This version of January is about recovery and readiness. It’s about leaving the intensity of the holidays behind and returning to a steadier, more familiar rhythm. It’s about your system settling.
Reset can be subtle. You might notice less internal pressure, fewer internal arguments, or a little more capacity for ordinary tasks. If things feel slow, that doesn’t mean nothing is happening — recovery often happens quietly, under the surface. You don’t have to feel energized or motivated for reset to be happening.
If it helps to have some examples, here are a few optional ways people can support that process. These aren’t instructions — just examples.
Predictability.
Familiar routines and fewer surprises, when possible, can make it easier for your nervous system to regulate and settle.
Simplicity.
Letting go of productivity expectations in January, where you can, often reduces pressure across a system.
Simplicity can also mean keeping tasks simple when possible. Some tasks can’t be changed, but if you have flexibility, breaking larger or more complicated tasks into smaller pieces can help.
Recovery activities.
These are activities that help you feel settled or refreshed. For some people it’s listening to music. For others it might be cooking something enjoyable, taking a bath, or working on a Lego model. The important part is that these activities are not about productivity. They’re about restoration.
You don’t need to do all of these. You don’t need to do any of them. If something starts to feel stressful or demanding, that’s a sign to pause or let it go. As long as your activity steadies you or refreshes you, you’re doing reset correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a “January reset” actually mean?
A January reset isn’t about starting over or making big changes. It’s about allowing your nervous system and system to recover from the intensity of the holidays and return to a steadier rhythm. Reset often looks quiet and subtle rather than energetic or motivated.
Is a reset the same thing as doing nothing?
No. Reset doesn’t mean inactivity or avoidance. It means reducing unnecessary pressure so your system can settle. Recovery can include gentle routines, familiar tasks, or restorative activities that support regulation without pushing productivity.
What if I don’t feel motivated or energized at all?
Motivation isn’t required for reset to be happening. Many systems recover beneath the surface, even when things feel slow or flat. A lack of energy often reflects ongoing recovery rather than a lack of progress.
How do I know if reset is “working”?
Signs of reset can be subtle: fewer internal arguments, slightly more capacity for everyday tasks, less urgency or pressure, or a feeling of things gradually settling. You don’t need dramatic improvement for recovery to be taking place.
Do I need to follow specific routines or activities for a reset?
No. The examples shared are optional, not instructions. What supports reset varies from system to system. If something starts to feel stressful or demanding, that’s information—not a failure—and it may be a cue to pause or change course.
What if I have responsibilities I can’t reduce right now?
Many people can’t eliminate demands entirely. Reset can still happen through small choices, like simplifying tasks where possible, choosing familiar routines, or adding brief moments of restoration when you can.
Is it okay to focus on recovery instead of goals in January?
Yes. For many trauma survivors, recovery and regulation create the foundation that makes future goals possible. Giving your system time to settle now can make change feel safer and more sustainable later.
When should I start thinking about goals or changes?
There’s no universal timeline. Change tends to come more easily once the system feels steadier and less braced. Let readiness—not the calendar—guide when planning and goal-setting make sense.