Fitness expert shares post-festival recovery tips with smart workouts and hydration hacks

Bounced a little too hard this festive season? Get back on track with these quick recovery tips for your body and mind. (Image: Pexels)

After a week of mithai and midnight munchies, you are probably feeling it. But you don’t need to sweat it out in misery or skip every meal to bounce back. The secret to feeling fit again is easy with smart, intentional movement, hydration, and yes, a little bit of joy.

The weekend must have been an overload of sweets and savouries. Yet, you don’t need a crash-diet or force yourself  into exaggerated workouts. “It’s not about undoing the joy,” says Drishti Chhabria, Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Orangetheory Fitness. “It’s about training smarter, not longer.”

Chhabria recommends interval training, short bursts of high and low intensity that boost your heart rate and keep your metabolism active even after the workout. This “afterburn effect” helps you burn more calories in less time.

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Rather than diving headfirst into a gruelling gym schedule, Chhabria suggests starting small and steady. "A 60-minute session is more than enough when done right," she adds, “And it’s not just about what you do, but when and how you move”

Chhabria shares 6 clever ways to reset after festive feasting

Move within 30 minutes of waking

Waking up groggy can ruin your day. A quick walk or stretch within the first half hour can jumpstart your metabolism and balance blood sugar after all that festive feasting.

Try short bursts of activity

No need for a full workout. “Try 30 seconds of jumping jacks or squats, followed by rest. Repeat a few times,” Chhabria advises. This style mimics interval training and boosts your energy quickly.

Use full-body movements

Rowing, planks, or even a resistance band circuit does more in less time. “When multiple muscle groups work together, it’s more efficient and burns more calories,” she explains.

Drink water

All that sugar and salt? Water helps flush it out, reducing bloating. Hydration is your body’s best friend post-party.

Don’t skip recovery

“Stretching, deep breathing, or even a nap can do wonders,” says Chhabria. Rest is a crucial part of your body’s reset process.

Also read: How to beat the festive blues and ease back into routine life

Try wearables

With fitness tech now in your pocket (or on your wrist), it’s easy to stay in your ideal training zone. Heart rate monitors and guided sessions mean you're working out smartly, not blindly. “It’s about finding what feels good and sticking with it,” Chhabria reminds.

Therefore, instead of punishing yourself for those extra sweets and savouries, show your body some love. Move with purpose, hydrate generously, and rest intentionally. Within days, you’ll feel energised, lighter, and back in your routine.

FAQs about post-festival recovery and wellness:
  Q: Do I need to follow a strict diet to recover from festive feasting?

A: No, you don’t need a crash diet. Focus on smart, intentional movement, hydration, and rest.

Q: How soon after waking should I start moving?

A: Try to move within 30 minutes of waking to jumpstart your metabolism and balance blood sugar.

Q: Is a long workout necessary to burn off the extra calories?

A: No, interval training with short bursts of activity is effective and can boost your metabolism efficiently.

Q: How important is hydration after festive feasting?

A: Very important. Hydration helps flush out excess sugar and salt, reducing bloating.

Q: Should I skip recovery sessions?

A: No, recovery such as stretching and deep breathing is crucial for your body’s reset process.

Q: Can fitness wearables help in post-festive recovery?

A: Yes, fitness wearables can help you stay in your ideal training zone and ensure you’re working out smartly.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis