How to Have the Perfect Reset Day

We all get burnt out. Maybe we’re working long hours. Maybe there are some things at work stressing us out. Maybe it’s been a while since we did something fun with friends. If you don’t give yourself time to rest, you’ll eventually crash.  

Here are 5 things you can do to reset and recharge. 

Go outside 

May seem like an archaic suggestion, but it really does work! Going outside, feeling the sunlight, and interacting with your natural environment have been proven to regulate your nervous system. We were never meant to be stuck inside all day!  

If you find yourself spending all your time in your office (or home office), factoring in “adult recess,” can do wonders for your stress levels. And going for a walk is even better! Get some steps in, do some light exercise, and not only will you feel better in the moment, but you will be on track to live a long and healthy life. 

Reorganize, reorient, reset  

When we’re overwhelmed, it’s hard to think straight. And that results in more stress. Take some time to write things down: write down what’s stressing you out, write down your tasks for the week, and break it all down into manageable bites.

Organizing your workspace will also organize your mind, as our surroundings have a direct impact on how we feel. Clean out that desk drawer, tackle the closet organization that you’ve been putting off, empty the dishwasher. Take a beat to plan, recentre, and induce calm. 

Work with your hands 

This really should be the first step but here it is: turn off your screens. As human beings, we were never meant to look at screens this much, and we were never meant to have indirect interactions replace direct interactions. Think about the long-term effects (if you aren’t careful) on your eyesight, your back, the tendons in your hands.  

Here’s a challenge: every day, do something with your hands. Options include: gardening, knitting, cooking, baking, painting, any sort of sport, pottery, you can even try pickling something. These activities give your eyes and brain rest, with power finally going to your hands. These activities will slow you down, help you focus, and increase your happiness. And on top of that, you’re left with some wonderful blueberry muffins! Who can resist? 

Lean on your loved ones 

Community gives our lives meaning. Although we have found many ways to connect with coworkers through our screens, there’s just something different about spending time with a loved one and talking about things other than work.  

If you’re feeling burnt out, you may need a dose of love in your day. Call a friend and ask them to join you on that walk, make a fun plan so you have something to look forward to, check in with your parents, do an activity with a loved one that you know boosts your mood.  

Basic needs 

And finally, sometimes the best way to overcome burnout is to return to the basics. We’re talking: good sleep, nutritious eating, exercise, drinking enough water. If you aren’t getting a good night’s rest, how can you expect yourself to be fully present at work?  

If you’re the kind of person who never seems to find time to eat lunch, or forgets to drink water, or pushes going to the gym to whenever you have time – we get it, life is busy. But if you want to live a long and healthy life, taking care of your mind and body are crucial. Don’t push your health to the side because sooner or later, your body will force you to take a break. So why not factor it into your week? 

We all get stressed. We all have nights where we don’t sleep. We all feel overwhelmed with our tasks and spend too much time looking at our screens. Burnout is real, but there are ways we can take care of ourselves. Self-love isn’t just spa days; it’s showing up for yourself every single day.