The Power of Recovery: Why the End of the Year Is an Opportunity to Prioritise Rest and Active Recovery

28/12/2025

Written by Emily Perkins

As we wrap-up 2025, we are reminded of what a busy, even stressful, time of year this can be. We may experience mixed feelings of wanting to rest, but not wanting to lose momentum in our training, especially as holidays, travel and changing schedules often disrupt our usual exercise routines. The good news is that the Christmas break can be the perfect time for intentional rest and recovery. It’s a chance to reset, so you can start the new year feeling recharged and refreshed.

What does active recovery look like?

Activities such as:

Stretching and Yoga help improve flexibility, posture and range of motion, while also reducing muscle tension and stress.

Mobility Exercises increase joint flexibility and range of motion, making movements more efficient and improving overall performance. They also reduce the risk of injury by enhancing joint stability.

Light Aerobic Movement like walking, cycling and swimming, boosts cardiovascular health and endurance. It also supports weight management and improves mood by releasing endorphins.

Foam Rolling helps release muscle tightness and trigger points by applying pressure that relaxes the muscles and surrounding connective tissue. It also improves blood circulation, supporting faster recovery, increased flexibility and reduced muscle soreness.

Prioritising any of these movement types, alongside quality sleep and stress management (think social connection, creative activities, mindfulness, a digital detox and time outdoors),  is essential for overall wellbeing.

The end of the year is also a great opportunity to reflect on our progress over the last 12 months. Instead of focusing on resolutions or setting new goals, reflect on how far you’ve come with your health, fitness and other personal achievements. This includes celebrating wins, recognising growth and learning from challenges - while remembering that long-term success comes from consistency, not perfection.

So if you catch yourself feeling guilty for resting over the break, remember that this period can be a valuable time for recovery, and that rest is just as important as training when it comes to long-term progress.