Stretch & Reset After Holiday Feasts (Feel Better Fast)
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Big meals, travel, and cozy couch time are part of what make the holidays special, but they can leave your body feeling tight, heavy, and sluggish. Instead of “starting over” in January, give your body a gentle reset now with simple stretches and mobility moves you can do right at home.
These are quick, feel-good routines (not workouts) that help you move better, breathe deeper, and feel light again after all the festive food.
Gentle Movement First
Before stretching, take 2-3 minutes to get blood flowing. Try:
Light marching or walking around the house
Shoulder rolls and arm circles
A few slow squats or glute bridges
Warming up first helps muscles relax and makes stretching safer and more effective.
The “Reset” Stretch Routine (7-10 Minutes Total)
Do this sequence once or twice the day after a big meal, or whenever you feel stiff or bloated.
Seated Spinal Twist
Eases digestion and relieves tension through your core.
Sit tall, cross one leg over the other, and twist gently toward the raised knee.
Hold 20-30 seconds per side.
Standing Forward Fold (or Half Fold)
Lengthens hamstrings and decompresses your spine.
Bend knees slightly, hinge forward, and let your upper body hang.
Option: rest hands on a chair for support.
Hold 30 seconds, breathe deeply.
Cat-Cow Stretch
Releases tightness in the lower back.
On all fours, round your spine (cat), then gently arch (cow).
Move with your breath for 30-60 seconds.
Hip Flexor Stretch
Sitting and eating = tight hips!
Step one foot forward into a lunge, drop your back knee, and tuck your pelvis slightly.
Hold 30 seconds each side.
Check out my Unlock Tight Hips Routine for more.
Supine Twist
Releases hips, back, and aids digestion.
Lie on your back, arms out wide.
Drop knees gently to one side, hold 20-30 seconds, switch.
Deep Belly Breathing (Optional Finish)
Resets your nervous system and supports digestion.
Lie on your back, one hand on chest, one on stomach.
Inhale through your nose for 4 counts, exhale for 6 counts.
Continue for 1-2 minutes.
Hydrate & Move Again Later
Stretching helps, but hydration seals the deal.
Sip water or herbal tea throughout the day.
Take short walks to boost circulation and digestion.
A few small movements every couple of hours go a long way in helping you feel light and re-energized.
Helpful Tools for Your Reset
Yoga mat - comfort + consistency
Foam roller or massage ball - release tight hips and back
Resistance band - optional gentle mobility work
If you want more tool ideas, check out Best Recovery Tools for Sore Muscles & Flexibility.
Conclusion
Stretch, breathe, and hydrate and you’ll feel better within minutes :)
