My Favorite Nervous System Resets

Busy week, too much coffee, over stimulation, you name it - my nervous system can fry and fry quickly at that. The older I get, the more aware I am about the signs of burnout, but that doesn't mean I'm immune to getting in that space (over, and over again). Whoops.

I've developed a tried and true list of things that work for me to reset my nervous system. While there are some times I just need to ride the wave until it passes, doing these things can speed that time up, and when I'm really lucky, reset me completely. Here are my top 10 favorites that I hope can help bring you relief as well.

If you’re looking for the actual products I keep reaching for lately, from cozy sleep essentials to calming nighttime favorites, I rounded all of them up here for you to shop and explore.

1. Set a timer and clean or organize something. This is reserved for those moments when I'm anxious or have had too much caffeine. I use my Alexa to set a timer for 10 minutes, and then dive into something. Usually it's dishes, vacuuming, or laundry (since hello, those always need to be done), but I love a good drawer or cabinet organization moment. I usually get so caught up in the task, I can compartmentalize and focus, forgetting the fight or flight mode my poor body was stuck in. I also end up going past the 10 minutes if I'm in a groove, which of course is a win-win.

   
   

2. Meditate. I used to get so caught up in needing the right circumstances to do this. Comfy spot, quiet, etc., but there is no exact boxes that need to be checked for this. When there's times in life that I can't get out of bed or up from the couch, I make it happen right then and there. Close my eyes, set a timer, and either use a guided meditation on YouTube or honestly just focus on a golden light being emitted from the ceiling to the top of my head. Doing this for even 2 minutes can help me get my thoughts back and gain control.

   
   

   There is no perfection here, your goal is redirection.

3. Change the scent in the air. Light a candle, fill up my incense diffuser, do a simmer pot on the stove, turn on my wax warmer. There are so many different ways to achieve this. I don't know the science behind it, but by changing the air just a little, it lifts my mood almost instantly.

   
   

4. Seek water. Take a shower, go for a swim, sit in front of the ocean. Whatever this looks like for you, do it. A shower is usually the most easily accessible, and it's so cleansing in more ways than one. No phone, white noise, good smelling soaps. There is absolutely something to be said about the fresh feeling of an everything shower as well (IYKYK). Clean off the spiritual and physical ick of your day.

   
   

5. Pay a good deed forward. Pay for the person's coffee in line behind you, sweep your elderly neighbor's porch, send a bouquet of flowers to someone's house just because you love them. Doing a good deed without an expectation of anything in return will fill your cup. It will remind you that there are other people and other things in this world, and help you not get so caught up in your own thoughts.

   
   

6. Soft blanket, warm lighting, hobby of choice. Sometimes you aren't in the environment to do all three, some times you can do just one. When combined, you have the power house of redirection. Add your favorite music to this? You have ascended. You are adding the soft touch for your physical sense, the warm lighting helps to cast a cozy environment - instantly telling your subconscious that you're safe, and the hobby is the icing on the cake to life you out of a rut or overthinking moment.

   
   

7. Watch your favorite movie or show. You know the one, the comfort causing, seen a million times, still laugh or cry at cinematic work of art. For me? Has to be Under the Tuscan Sun or Blended. Give me an Adam Sandler movie any day of the week to life my spirits.

   
   

8. Make or order in your favorite comfort meal. Let me clarify one thing, I am definitely not saying to eat your feelings, don't over indulge calorie-wise or you'll have another list of problems on your hand. What I am saying, is to seek out things that you love. The queso app from your favorite Mexican restaurant, your go-to sushi roll, your DIY salad from the salad bar, or maybe it's even an ice cream sandwich from the parlor down the street. Comfort food in moderation can illicit a beautiful dopamine response that helps you through a tough moment.

   
   

9. Bake, garden, or do anything with your hands. These might already be on your hobby list, but if they're not, give them a try! By keeping your hands busy and focusing on analog tasks like these, you're rewiring your thinking. Not to mention, you have a really cool end result that you can (potentially) eat!

   
   

10. Pinterest fixation. I have tried hard this year not to doom scroll. I absolutely notice that when I doom scroll Instagram or Facebook, I feel so much worse after than I did before. But Pinterest? She's my girl. I absolutely love to create vision boards (this is a thing now you can do via the app, or check out doing them in Canva too). But more importantly I love to plan meals, look at outfit inspo, and save potential travel destinations. It's the perfect distraction that I can reflect on later when I'm ready to dive into a craft or read a blog about a particular subject. Seriously, give it a try!

The most important part when your body and brain need a serious reset, is knowing that you won't feel this way forever.

It's all about creating small moments of comfort and safety until your mind and body finally exhale. And eventually, without even realizing it, you’ll look up and find yourself on the other side of it all.