Feeling Overwhelmed? You're Not Alone. 13 Simple Habits to Help You Reset
Have you been feeling more anxious and on edge lately? You’re not alone.
The last few weeks have been some of the most stressful I’ve experienced. It’s been one thing after another: unexpected expenses, tough conversations, trying to balance work with parenting during spring break, and ongoing economic uncertainty.
At times, it’s felt downright Sisyphean like I’m trying to climb out of a hole while the dirt just keeps piling in.
But this isn’t a cry for help. It’s a reset.
In this post, I’m sharing the small but meaningful habits I’m committing to in order to regain a sense of clarity, energy, and peace — and maybe help you do the same.
Why I’m Sharing This Personal Reset Plan
I don’t have it all figured out. But I know that when I’m feeling stuck, the best way forward is action even if it’s small steps.
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
So I decided to face the overwhelm head-on by focusing on daily habits that support my mental and physical health.
Below are 13 habits I’m incorporating into my routine. They’re not groundbreaking — and I don’t expect perfection — but consistent 1% improvements can lead to real change.
13 Simple Habits to Reduce Stress and Reset Your Life
1. Get at least 7 hours of sleep
Sleep is non-negotiable. Eight hours would be amazing, but I’m being honest here: I’m writing this at 11 PM with a 5:30 AM alarm set. Still, prioritizing rest is essential.
2. Move daily, work out 3 times per week
Movement is medicine. Yes, it’s good for your body but for me, it’s mostly about the mental clarity it brings.
3. Eat real, whole foods
No fad diets here. Just simple, nutrient-dense meals that nourish both mind and body.
4. Journal every night
This is my way of clearing mental clutter and creating a time capsule of thoughts and progress.
5. Meditate daily (even 2 minutes counts)
Just a few deep breaths can shift your entire mindset. It’s like hitting the mental reset button.
6. Practice gratitude — and say it out loud
Writing down what I’m thankful for is powerful. Sharing it out loud with someone? Even more impactful.
7. Avoid the news (mostly)
Staying informed matters, but not if it comes at the cost of constant anxiety. I’m setting boundaries with my media intake.
8. Delete social apps off my phone
I’m not doing a full digital detox (yet), but this first step helps reduce mindless scrolling and improves focus.
9. Focus on the positive
What you focus on expands. I’m choosing to notice and celebrate the good, even when things feel tough.
10. Have dinner with my family every night
This time with my wife and daughter grounds me. It’s one of the most important rituals of my day.
11. Walk to daycare pickup (weather permitting)
This simple routine brings joy, movement, and time to reset between tasks.
12. Take our dog, Reese, to the park
She loves it, and the exercise (and sunlight) does wonders for me too.
13. Laugh daily — or make someone else smile
Laughter is therapy. If I can’t find a reason to laugh, I try to create one for someone else.
My Takeaway: Progress Over Perfection
This isn’t about doing everything right. It’s about doing something every day — even imperfectly — to feel just a little better than the day before.
If you’re in a similar place, maybe some of these habits will resonate with you. Steal the whole list or just start with one. The key is to start.
And if you’ve read this far — thank you. I appreciate you more than you know.
Here’s to better days, brighter minds, and more time outside.