How to Build a Reset Routine That Sticks

Published on April 1, 2025

by Kate Holmes

Ever feel like you’re running on fumes and need a hard reset—but don’t know where to start? Smart women know burnout isn’t solved by a single spa day. It’s what you do next that matters.

A reset routine isn’t just about rest—it’s about realignment. Here’s how to create a routine that clears your mind, recharges your body, and supports your long-term energy.

Step 1: Choose Your Reset Window

A reset routine can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as a weekend. What matters is that you set time aside and protect it like an appointment.

Ideas for when and how often to reset:

Weekly 1-hour Sunday session to regroup
Monthly solo day with no errands or tasks
Post-deadline 30-minute decompress block
Quarterly reflection or digital detox weekend

Step 2: Start With Subtraction

A true reset starts by removing noise. Clear space before you add more in.

What to cut temporarily during a reset:

Social media and unnecessary screen time
Multi-tasking or back-to-back commitments
Toxic conversations or overstimulation
Extra decisions (use default meals or outfits)

Step 3: Add Grounding Inputs

Once you’ve cleared out the noise, it’s time to restore with practices that nourish you physically and emotionally.

Low-pressure ways to recharge meaningfully:

Stretch, nap, or take a gentle walk outside
Journal with prompts like ‘What do I need now?’
Hydrate, eat something slow and nourishing
Sit in silence or with soothing music

Step 4: Reflect Without Judging

This isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about checking in. Reflection builds self-trust and helps you adjust course.

Prompts to include in your reset journal:

What feels heavy right now—and why?
What do I want more and less of?
What boundaries need resetting?
What’s one habit that’s been helping?

Step 5: Plan a Reentry With Intention

Don’t rush back into chaos. Choose 1–2 small, powerful actions that bring structure and ease post-reset.

Ideas for a grounded return:

Block time for your top priority only
Organize your physical space simply
Write down 3 energy-giving to-dos
Communicate your boundaries clearly

Tips That Fit Real Life

You don’t need a fancy retreat. Here’s how to make a reset feel doable even in a packed week:

Schedule it like a meeting—and honor it
Set the tone with a reset playlist or candle
Tell loved ones in advance for space and support
Start with just 30 minutes to build momentum
Keep supplies simple: notebook, tea, quiet

Try This Instead

Common reset mistakes and how to reframe them:

Instead of cramming in ‘productive rest’ → focus on release
Instead of canceling when busy → scale it down, don’t skip
Instead of overplanning → leave space for intuition
Instead of guilt over needing it → gratitude for the pause
Instead of fixing everything → reset one area that matters

Takeaway

Your reset routine isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. When you pause with purpose, you return with power. Start small. Show up for yourself. Then watch how everything else starts to flow again.