Sometimes, despite our best intentions, things do not work out as we envision them. Perhaps it’s an event out of our control, or possibly too many things left undone that snowball into something much larger. Whether it’s personal health, happiness, environment, relationships etc. sometimes we just need to hit the reset button to get grounded and start again with a fresh perspective and clear outlook.
While many of us wish we could hit the reset button on 2020, there are some things we can do right away to feel lighter, happier, and healthier. For me, I am hitting the reset button on May. I had some ideas about May goals, and they were loosely based on my intentions for the year. However, things ended up not going according to plan, and since then I’ve decided to throw my May goals right out the window and just live by listening to my heart for now. Sometimes the best laid plans are the ones that unfurl in the moment. Can I just tell you that throwing my May goals out the window has actually been incredibly freeing? I am all about checklists and accomplishments but sometimes too much of a good thing is overwhelming. Hitting the reset means erasing guilt, obligation, and excess stress.
That being said, I’ve decided to keep a few key things in mind while hitting the reset button, and wanted to share my thoughts with you all in case you needed someone to tell you it’s ok to do less, and live more spontaneously by being in tune with your body and what your needs are in the moment. It’s good to have goals and dreams, but its ok to dial it back a little bit from time to time, especially when feeling burnt out and exhausted. Here’s some tips on how to fill up your cup, keep calm, and carry on while your body and mind reboot.
#1 Get some rest. Seriously, whatever you have to do to get some extra rest whether it is skipping a morning workout, going to bed an hour earlier, or sneaking in a cat nap, get some sleep. Our bodies heal most during sleep and we need all the help we can get! Not one for naps? Then relax on the couch with a cup of tea, a good book, and a warm blanket. Feelings of comfort and security lower our cortisol levels (stress hormones) and thus help to reset our nervous system.
#2 Eat light meals with plenty of fruits and veggies. When we feel overwhelmed and exhausted, we need extra vitamins to keep our energy levels up. Additionally, chronic stress leads to inflammation in the body and the antioxidants found in fruits and veggies help reduce inflammation and bring things back to baseline. Upset stomach from stress or anxiety? Eating light meals and snacks gives the digestive system a break. Try soothing soups, smoothies, and other warm cooked meals to heal from the inside out. You can also start the day with a warm cup of hot water and lemon to get things moving, or try a green juice or smoothie to have with breakfast. The one pictured here contains kale, celery, half a banana, a small apple, and spinach.
#3. Self-care for the soul. Try meditation, progressive muscle relaxation techniques, prayer, journaling, or just be one with yourself in silence. Find peace and quiet your mind and help relax tight muscles. Even some gentle stretching will help loosen things up and release tension in the body.
#4. Be outside. Whenever possible, get outdoors and see green. As the Audrey Hepburn quote goes, “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”. Gardening is a great way to hit the reset and get fresh perspective because you are planting something new from a clean slate. There is something extremely satisfying and therapeutic about tending a garden. Going for a walk or sitting outside in the sun is another great way to relax, unwind, and fill up your cup. Remember, restorative walks are ones where calories and mileage are not counted. Instead, focus on hearing the birds outside, taking in the natural scenery, and breathing in the fresh air.
Take some deep, cleansing breaths and realize that you can hit the reset any time. It doesn’t have to be at the start of a new year, or new month, or even a new day. You have the power to decide what’s working for you and what isn’t. It’s never too late to make changes that will positively improve your emotional and physical health. Hitting the reset doesn’t mean giving up on your goals or throwing in the towel, it means shifting your priorities again so that your body can get the recharge it needs to continue to live your best life. Rest, relax, restore, and reset.