How to Reset on Days When There’s a Lot Going On: Sometimes, All You Need is a Minute to Yourself
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We all have those days when there’s so much going on it can be difficult to even think, let alone get things done. On those days, even 5 minutes of self-care can go a long way.
We all reset in different ways, and that’s why our list covers a range of routines and activities. For some of us, taking time to get organized is best for moving forward. For others, it’s about giving yourself a quick break from the noise to just recoup and collect your thoughts.
No matter how busy some of your days can be, use these ideas to give you inspiration. It’s important to try more than one to better understand what works best for you.
Something you can do is print off this list, check the ones you’ve tried, and then circle the reset ideas that worked. If you’d like to try this, you can get this printable at the bottom of the article.
Find a Reset Idea That’s Right for You
Below you’ll find all the ideas we’ve curated above. Explore each section, and think about which of these ideas could work well for you.
Get Organized
When there is so much going on, sometimes the best thing to do is take the time to organize everything into checklists and calendars. If this sounds like you, have a look at some of the ideas below.
- Set reminders.
- Make a prioritized to-do list.
- Declutter your workspace.
- Write down what’s in your head.
- Turn off notifications for a short time.
- Simplify tasks into manageable steps.
- Take some time to organize your digital files.
- Assign scores to tasks to help prioritize.
Stand Up and Do Something Active
Especially if you’ve been sitting in front of a computer all day, sometimes all you need is to get up and move. On a busy day, you probably don’t have an hour to get ready and go to the gym or a workout class. Instead, try one of these ideas. All of them you can do in under 10 minutes or less.
- Dance to your favorite song.
- Hold a power pose.
- Go for a short walk.
- Do 5-10 minutes of stretching.
- Do a quick bodyweight workout at home.
- Reach up high and then touch your toes.
Relaxing Ideas to Follow a Busy Day
Some of these may work in the middle of the day for you. However, their intention is for the end of the day. These are the activities to try when you’ve had a busy day and you just need a few moments to yourself.
- Practice deep-breathing exercises.
- Light a scented candle.
- Listen to calming music.
- Spend time with your pet.
- Have a moment in a quiet space or room.
- Try a guided meditation app.
- Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket.
- Lie on the floor with legs up against a wall.
Quick Ideas
There are busy days, and then there are really busy days! On those days, you may not even have 10 minutes to yourself. These reset ideas are about finding a way to give yourself a quick reset before you get back to your busy schedule. All of these can be done in 2 minutes or even less.
- Take five deep breaths.
- Meditate for 2 minutes.
- Listen to relaxing music.
- Step outside for fresh air.
- Use a fidget tool.
- Write down a task you can do right now.
- Reach up high and then touch your toes.
- Close your eyes and visualize a calm place.
Take a Break
In a similar way to the relaxing ideas, these ‘take a break’ activities allow you to step away from what you’re doing in order to reset. As with the quick ideas, you’ll probably want to use these throughout a busy day, then get back to work.
- Send a message to a loved one to chat.
- Read an inspiring story.
- Do a no-screen activity.
- Journal using a prompt sheet.
- Add something to a vision board.
- Have a lunch or coffee break.
- Play a musical instrument.
Calming Ideas
Use these ideas to get away from the noise and the notifications. Some can be done in the middle of the day, and others are for when you’ve got a moment to yourself at home.
- Make yourself a tea.
- Wrap yourself in a weighted blanket.
- Massage your hands gently.
- Go in the garden or to a park.
- Listen to an ASMR sounds video.
- Look at the sky for a few minutes.
For Changing Your Perspective
Lastly, this section is probably the most challenging. When we’re busy, it’s very easy to feel swamped by the pressure of everything. Even on really busy days, it can be a lot easier to face the marathon of it all with a positive and optimistic outlook.
These ideas are by no means easy. However, they can encourage you to change your perspective and approach the day with a better outlook.
- Print out and frame an inspirational quote.
- Write three things in a gratitude journal.
- Smile or laugh to yourself.
- Remind yourself it’s okay to take breaks.
- Reflect on past successes.
- Talk kindly to yourself in the mirror.
- Focus on what you can control.
- Remind yourself of your ‘why’.
Remember That Finding a Way to Reset is a Process
This won’t happen overnight. Our busiest days will always test us. However, it’s important to start somewhere, and the ‘quick’ or ‘take a break’ ideas are great for this.
Many of them only take a minute or two, and you’ll quickly understand if they work for you.
Get the Reset Ideas Printable Here
Here’s the ‘reset’ printable. Print it off, keep it in a folder, and check off the ideas as you try them. You never know what may work until you try it, so go in with an open mind.
Life will always be busy. That’s why it’s important to have ideas and activities to help you navigate it, rather than wait for things to become less busy. Let us know below which ideas you love from our list, and don’t forget to save our reset ideas to one of your self-care boards.
