The Holiday Detox You Didn’t Know You Needed

Posted by

Nicole Tegner

Posted on

Nov 20, 2024

The holidays have a way of pulling us in every direction. There’s always one more thing to do, one more gathering to attend, one more task on the list. Before we know it, the season meant to bring joy and connection leaves us feeling exhausted. But what if this year could be different? What if we chose to unplug, not just from our devices, but from the relentless busyness and truly rest?

Rest isn’t just an escape or a sign of laziness; it’s about stepping away so we can see clearly. When we put down our phones, shut off our screens, and let go of the need to always be available, something powerful happens. We create space—space to breathe deeply, reflect, and notice the beauty right in front of us. Rest is an act of trust, believing that the world will keep spinning even if we step back for a moment.

Choosing to unplug might look like leaving your phone in another room during meals so you can savor conversation and laughter. It might mean saying no to one more holiday commitment so you can say yes to sitting by the fire, letting yourself be still. It could even be as simple as going to bed a little earlier, trusting that the extra rest will help you show up more fully for the people and moments that matter most.

When we give ourselves permission to pause, we rediscover the simple joys we often overlook. The quiet crackle of a candle, the warmth of a blanket, the sound of a loved one’s voice. These aren’t distractions; they’re the moments that fill us up.

The benefits of unplugging go deeper than we realize. Rest restores not just our energy but our perspective. It calms the noise in our minds and softens the tension in our hearts. It reminds us that we are human, not machines, and that our value isn’t tied to how much we accomplish. Rest opens the door to gratitude, helping us see the goodness in our lives that’s easy to miss when we’re rushing from one thing to the next.

As this year comes to a close, let’s choose rest, not as a luxury, but as a necessity. Let’s be intentional about stepping away, not because we’re trying to escape but because we’re making room for what matters most. The gift of presence, of peace, of connection…it’s waiting for us. We just have to unplug long enough to receive it.