Permission to Pause
Welcome back, I’m so happy you’re here!
If you’re anything like me, your week runs on a pretty rigid schedule. I often feel like I have less time than everyone else—like I blink and suddenly the day is over, but I can’t quite remember what I actually did. My solution? Giving each day a purpose: laundry day, grocery day, Pilates vs. yoga day, even “read vs. watch TV” day. I’ll admit, I go a bit over the top with it.
And while there’s comfort in that structure, I’ve also noticed it can leave me feeling overworked and under-accomplished. Lately, I’ve been learning to embrace the ebb and flow. I still love my overly scheduled brain, but I’m also trying to find peace in stillness—and one of the best ways I do that is with a dedicated reset.
What Is a Reset?
About once a month (or whenever I feel like I need it), I give myself an afternoon or evening to just be. No workouts. No to-do list. No errands. Most importantly—no expectations. It’s time to unplug from productivity and reconnect with myself.
This isn’t one-size-fits-all, but here’s what my ideal reset usually looks like:
Step 1: Reset the Space
I find cleaning therapeutic, so I usually start there: sweep, mop, wipe down the counters, maybe diffuse some essential oils. The soundtrack varies—sometimes a podcast, sometimes a comfort show or a favorite playlist. Once my space is reset, I already feel a little more relaxed.
Step 2: Pajamas & Pampering
Next, I pick out a comfy (and cute!) pajama set and lay it out for after my shower. It’s a small touch, but it makes everything feel more intentional. Then comes the full shower routine: hair wash, sugar scrub, a full-body shave. Afterward, I layer on all the good lotions and oils. I run coconut oil through my hair and twist it into a bun so it can soak up all the moisture.
Step 3: Unstructured, Screen-Free Time
Once I’m fresh and cozy, I let myself just exist. No social media. No checking what everyone else is doing. I try to keep my mind in my own world for a little while. I don’t exercise on reset days either—this is about true rest for both body and brain.
Here are some of my go-to reset activities:
Reading
Journaling (guided or free-write brain dumps)
Watching a cozy show or movie
Knitting or crocheting
Baking something just for fun
Why Reset Days Matter
In the chaos of post-grad life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of doing nothing. But rest isn’t a waste of time—it’s fuel. You don’t need a full day. Just a few hours. Maybe it's a slow Sunday. Maybe it’s a random Tuesday night, which somehow feels even more indulgent.
These reset moments are your time to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with the things that bring you joy without pressure. That’s important—because hobbies and rest have real mental health benefits:
They help reduce stress and prevent burnout
They boost feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin
They create space for creativity, which often gets drowned out in busyness
They give your brain the downtime it needs to actually function better later
Some parts of yourself only speak when it's quiet. Intuition. Creativity. They both need a little silence to show up.
Find What Works for You
Your reset won’t look exactly like mine, and it shouldn’t. Take what serves you and leave the rest. Try different routines, see what brings you the most peace, and remember: this is your time.
I truly believe these little resets have the power to shift how you feel, how you think, and how you care for yourself. I hope you give it a try—you deserve it.
