Part of growing up is getting to know yourself better. My sanity has been saved multiple times over the last few years because I’ve learned the signs when I’m starting to spin a little too fast and lose control.
Waking up in the middle of the night worried about a million things, little desire to say yes to social outings, avoiding phone calls or emails, trouble concentrating, irritable… the list goes on.
These things can happen to me when there are big changes in my future, when I’m working on a big project for work, or when I feel like things are going just fine. It’s also common during the hectic holiday season. I’ve learned that a reset for me is necessary quite often, and I’ve learned some of the best ways to accomplish that, even if I’m on a time crunch.
How to Reset if You Have Five Minutes
Try a five-minute meditation.
Find a new favorite quote. Pinterest is full of them.
Reread your goals.
Call your best friend.
Write things down. Get that pen to paper and make a list of something or write about your dreams. I have a small journal with one question each day and I love it. You can find it here.
Have a dance party to your favorite song. Currently, I recommend the newest Justin Timberlake song.
How to Reset if You Have Five Hours
Light a candle, pour your favorite hot drink, and grab a book. Dive in. I love reading and napping back and forth for an entire afternoon, if possible.
Take a long walk outside. Hike in a park near you.
Do a deep clean of your space. I know that can take longer than 5 hours, but if you work on for that long, you will feel a difference. If you live in a small apartment, it might only take 5 hours.
Host a game night with some of your favorite people. We love an intense game of Risk every few months or so (it can take hours.) Sometimes laughter, competition, and maybe a little wine can help get you back on the happy train.
Plan your next vacation. Read some travel books or blogs. If you can’t book it, figure out a savings plan and a budget and make it a reality. Planning can be part of the fun.
How to Reset if You Have Five Days
Go somewhere without a cell signal. Spend the time by a fire, in the woods, in a hammock… you can picture it.
Get in the car and head out on a road trip. Bring your tent and an atlas.
Take a few days off work and have a staycation. Visit all your favorite local haunts, sleep in, and maybe cross something off your DIY Pinterest Board.
Go home. Sometimes, going back to where you come from can help remind you how far you’ve come and what’s important to you.
Take a social media break. If you can’t shut off from work or don’t have extra cash for a quick trip away, sometimes just shutting yourself off from the other people in your social network can actually help reset. Go visit them in person, send a letter in the mail – take a break from Facebook, Instagram, TikTok,etc.
Hitting reset is good for the body and the mind. It’s important to step back from the craziness sometimes and just make sure you are getting your happy fill.
