How to Create a Personal Reset Routine That Works for You
How to Create a Personal Reset Routine (and Why It Matters)
Have you ever had one of those weeks where everything feels a little… off?
Maybe your mornings feel rushed, your home feels cluttered, and even small decisions feel heavier than they should. You catch yourself scrolling more, sleeping less, and wondering why you feel out of sync.
When life feels messy like this, it’s often not one big thing but lots of little things adding up. That’s where having a personal reset routine can make all the difference.
A reset routine isn’t about dramatic “change your life in 30 days” challenges. It’s about simple, repeatable steps that help you pause, clear some mental and physical space, and feel like yourself again. Think of it as your own refresh button, ready whenever life starts to feel too full or too heavy.
In this post, we’ll look at how to create a reset routine that actually works for you - something realistic, supportive, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever life throws your way.
Step 1 – Identify Your Personal Reset Signals
Every reset routine starts with awareness. Before you can shift your energy or find your flow again, it helps to notice the signs that something feels off.
These signals often show up in small ways: maybe you feel more tired than usual, your mind feels cluttered, or your space seems messier than it usually does. Sometimes it’s emotional, like feeling more irritable or unmotivated. Other times, it’s physical like headaches, poor sleep, or that constant sense of being “on edge.”
Taking a moment to recognise these signs gives you an early nudge to press pause before stress and overwhelm build up.
Reflection prompts:
What are the early signs I’m running on empty?
Which areas of my life feel heavy or stagnant right now?
What would feel like relief if I could shift it today?
You might find it helpful to jot these down in a journal or notes app so you can check in regularly. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns, and your reset routine can evolve to meet your actual needs, not just what you think you should be doing.
Step 2 – Clear Space (Mental, Emotional, and Physical)
When life feels heavy, the first step to feeling lighter is often to clear some space. This doesn’t have to mean a big declutter or a dramatic life overhaul. Even a few small actions can shift your energy and give you breathing room.
Clear mental space
Do a quick brain dump: write down everything on your mind, from errands to worries.
Choose one or two tasks you can let go of or move to another day.
Silence notifications or set your phone aside for a while to give your mind a break.
Clear emotional space
Take a moment to acknowledge how you feel without judgement.
Try journaling for five minutes to get emotions out of your head and onto paper.
If journaling isn’t your thing, a short breathing exercise or mindful pause can help settle your nervous system.
Clear physical space
Tidy one small area that will give you an instant sense of relief, like your desk, kitchen counter, or bedside table.
Open a window, light a candle, or put on calming music to shift the mood of your space.
Choose one or two actions that feel good to you, there’s no need to do everything on the list. This is about creating space in a way that feels supportive for your current season of life.
Step 3 – Reset Your Body and Energy
Once you’ve created a little space, it’s time to focus on your body and energy. Our physical state affects how we think and feel, and even small actions can make a big difference in how grounded and clear-headed we feel.
Nourish your body
Have a glass of water or a nourishing snack - something simple yet satisfying.
If you’ve been sitting for hours, stretch or stand up and move around for a few minutes.
If your body’s calling for rest, give yourself permission to take a short nap or simply sit in stillness.
Shift your energy
Try a five-minute walk or step outside for fresh air and a change of scenery.
Play music that lifts your mood or calms your mind, depending on what you need.
Take a few deep breaths, focusing on the inhale and exhale to bring yourself back into the moment.
Pick whatever feels most nourishing to you in the moment. Some days that might mean moving your body, other days it might mean slowing right down and both are equally valid.
Step 4 – Realign Your Priorities
With a little space cleared and your energy feeling lighter, it’s the perfect time to check in with what matters most right now.
Reset routines work best when they’re not just about tidying or recharging but also about making sure your focus matches your values and current needs.
Simple priority check-in
Take a few quiet moments to reflect:
What actually matters most to me today (or this week)?
Is there one thing I can do that will make the biggest difference to how I feel?
What do I want to carry forward, and what can I set down for now?
You don’t need to create a detailed plan or a long list. Instead, choose one to three priorities you want to focus on next. These could be tasks, personal intentions, or even feelings you want to cultivate, like calm or clarity.
If you’d like more support in building this kind of reflective habit, Back to Balance offers a gentle, ready-made 7-day reset with simple daily actions and guided prompts to help you find your footing again. It’s a step-by-step way to pause, reflect, and realign without the overwhelm.
Step 5 – Add a Mini Ritual to Anchor Your Reset
A reset routine becomes even more powerful when you mark it with a small ritual. A ritual doesn’t need to be elaborate, it’s simply a way to signal to yourself, “This is my time to pause and begin again.”
When to use your ritual
Your ritual can happen at the start of your reset, the end, or both:
At the start: Use it to create a clear boundary between your busy day and your reset. For example, light a candle, take three slow breaths, or play calming music to set the tone.
At the end: Treat it as a closing moment, sealing in that feeling of renewal. This could be journaling one thing you’re letting go of, saying an affirmation, or enjoying a cup of tea slowly and mindfully.
Both: Some people like a simple ritual to begin and a different one to finish, creating a sense of rhythm and completion.
Ideas for simple rituals
Journaling: Spend five minutes writing down one thing you’re grateful for or something you’re releasing.
Tea or coffee ritual: Make your favourite warm drink and savour it without distractions.
Lighting a candle: Use it as a cue for deep, grounding breaths before or after your reset.
Affirmation or mantra: Choose a phrase like “I choose calm and clarity” and repeat it as you breathe deeply.
Your ritual can be anything that feels grounding. The key is that it feels like yours. Experiment with when and how you use it, and notice what helps you feel most supported.
Step 6 – Decide on a Frequency & Reflect on Your Routine
One of the most important parts of building a reset routine is choosing how often you want to use it. For some people, a short weekly reset works best like a Sunday evening check-in before the week begins. Others prefer a longer monthly reset or simply pressing pause whenever life feels out of sync.
There’s no “right” schedule. The key is to choose a frequency that feels realistic and supportive for you.
Reflect on how it’s working
After you’ve used your routine a few times, take a moment to check in:
What feels lighter since I started this routine?
Which steps feel helpful and which feel unnecessary?
Is there anything I’d like to add or change?
Your reset routine will probably look different to anyone else’s, and that’s the point, it’s about what supports you. It’s natural for routines to evolve with the seasons of your life and your energy levels. Some weeks, your reset might be a five-minute tidy-up and deep breath. Other times, you might have space for a full afternoon reset. Either way, treat it as an act of support rather than another thing on your to-do list.
A personal reset routine doesn’t have to be big or complicated. By noticing when things feel off, creating space to breathe, and focusing on what matters most, you can gently bring yourself back into balance. Remember, this routine is here to support you not to add pressure. It’s something you can adapt and return to as often as you need, whether that’s once a week, once a month, or simply on those days when life feels heavier than usual. Why not try one small reset action today and notice how it feels? Sometimes even the tiniest shift like clearing one surface, stepping outside for five minutes, or setting an intention can make everything feel lighter.
If you’d like more practical tools to help you create space for what matters, grab your free Intentional Living Starter Kit below. It’s full of gentle, supportive resources to help you live with more clarity and ease.
