Mindfulness Over Punishment: Your Boxing Day Doesn’t Need a Reset

Thought For The Week

By the time Boxing Day arrives, most of us have had a few days of fuller plates, later nights, and a lot more stimulation than usual. Rather than jumping straight into “making up for it”, this week is a good opportunity to slow things down and practise a bit of mindfulness. Mindfulness simply means paying attention to what’s happening — both in our bodies and our thoughts — and accepting what is, without judgement. It allows us to enjoy things more fully, and notice when we’ve had enough. At a time of year that can easily tip into overindulgence or self-criticism, this approach helps us step off autopilot and move forward with a sense of calm and intention, rather than guilt.

Exercise Tip

From an exercise point of view, mindfulness isn’t about doing less — it’s about being more present in what you’re doing. Training can be a valuable anchor at this time of year, helping you maintain routine and feel grounded. That starts with paying attention to your energy levels, any stiffness or soreness, and your motivation on the day, then using that information to train with intention rather than obligation. During the workout itself, a simple way to practise mindfulness is to work with your breath: inhale during the easier, lowering phase of a movement, and exhale during the harder, lifting phase. This helps slow you down, encourages a more even and consistent tempo, and keeps you engaged in the process rather than letting your mind wander. The result is training that feels intentional and supportive, rather than punitive.

Try this:

Remove any distractions before you start. Put your phone away, silence notifications, and resist thinking about what’s coming next. Then, notice how your body moves, which muscles are working, and how your breathing feels. Focusing fully not only improves form and increases safety, but it also turns the session into a more satisfying experience.

Nutrition Tip

From a nutrition point of view, mindfulness follows the same principle: still enjoying food, but paying attention as you do. After a few days of Christmas meals, snacks, and treats that can all blur into one another, it can be helpful to slow things down and step off autopilot. Mindful eating means noticing hunger and fullness, and taking the time to savour flavours, textures, and the experience of eating. This often leads to feeling more satisfied, even with smaller amounts. Paying attention to how different foods make you feel — both during and after eating — allows you to make choices that support your energy and wellbeing, without turning food into something that needs to be controlled, restricted, or “made up for.”

Try this:

Mindful eating isn’t about restricting treats or counting every calorie — it’s about noticing what you’re eating, savouring it, and accepting your choices without judgement: Take time to notice the smell, flavour, and textures of your food. Put your fork down between bites to slow the pace and truly enjoy what you’re eating.

Inspirational Quote

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things.”

Robert Brault