Reset, Recharge, and Refocus: Getting Back on Track After the Holidays

The holiday season is often filled with joy, connection, and celebration but it can also leave us feeling tired, off-schedule, and out of routine. As the new year begins, January offers a natural opportunity to reset both mental and physical health in a way that feels supportive, not overwhelming.

Start by catching up on sleep. Late nights, travel, and busy schedules can disrupt sleep patterns. Prioritizing rest helps improve mood, focus, and immune health. Aim to return to a consistent bedtime, limit screen time before bed, and create a calming nighttime routine. Even small adjustments like going to bed 15 - 30 minutes earlier can make a noticeable difference.

When it comes to healthy eating, think of January as a “reset,” not a restriction. Instead of cutting out entire food groups, focus on adding nourishing options back into your meals. Hydrating well, incorporating fruits and vegetables, and planning simple, balanced meals can help restore energy levels. Meal prepping, keeping healthy snacks on hand, and easing back into regular eating schedules can make the transition smoother.

Equally important is refocusing on mental health. The post-holiday period can bring stress, low motivation, or feelings of burnout. Taking time to check in with yourself, set realistic goals, and practice mindfulness can help restore balance. Simple actions like stepping outside for fresh air, practicing gratitude, or taking short breaks during the day can support emotional well-being.

The key to a successful reset isn’t perfection, it’s progress. By prioritizing rest, fueling your body, and caring for your mental health, you can ease into the new year feeling more energized, focused, and ready for what’s ahead.

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

This Instant Pot tortellini soup is ready in 30 minutes and packed with vegetables. It’s a solid pick when you’re getting back on track but still want something warm and easy.

Course: Soup, Soups & Stews

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 15minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15minutes minutes

Total Time: 30minutes minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 152kcal

Author: Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju

Equipment

• 1 Instant Pot

  
  

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion diced

• 2 cloves garlic minced

• 1 small carrot sliced

• 1 celery sliced

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 9-oz package cheese tortellini fresh or frozen

• 2 cups spinach fresh, roughly chopped

• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

  
  

Instructions

• Set the Instant Pot to the "Sauté" mode and heat the olive oil.

• Add the diced onion, carrots, garlic and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

• Mix the tomato paste in the vegetable broth and pour in the pressure cooker.

• Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

• Close the Instant Pot lid. Set the valve to "Sealing."

• Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. It will take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.

• Once the cooking time is complete, do a quick release by carefully turning the valve to "Venting."

• Open the lid and set the Instant Pot back to "Sauté" mode.

• Stir in the tortellini and cook for 5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender according to packaging instructions.

• Stir in the fresh spinach carefully until it wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

• Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

  
  

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 2652mg | Potassium: 601mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 9267IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 2mg