Would you agree the past 10 months have been draining, filled with uncertainty, and raising fears of the unknown? Have you or someone close to you been struggling with anxiety or depression—feeling down, finding it hard to take a deep breath, noticing your mind wandering, or feeling overly emotional? Do you miss getting and giving hugs? I know that is the one I miss the most. If so, then it may be time to press the reset button.
Why Pressing Reset Matters
Emotions are our guiding force in everything we do. Ignoring them doesn’t make them go away—they only grow stronger over time. Many of us fear looking at what makes us unusually emotional because we worry that if we fall apart, we may not be able to put ourselves back together. In truth, the opposite is often the case. Talking, crying, and using healthy coping skills actually releases “feel-good” chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins that help ease emotional pain.
If you want to make things better, don’t wait for the perfect day or time. You get to decide—any day, any time—to make a change. Research shows we make an average of 35,000 decisions a day. There are 1,440 minutes in a day. Imagine if you used just one of those minutes to press the reset button for your mental health.
How to Press the Reset Button
You only need to start with one of these ideas—but feel free to choose as many as you like:
- Add color to your home with flowers, fruits, or anything that brightens the space.
- Get outdoors: walk, run, bike, or simply sit in a park for a few minutes.
- Put on your favorite music, turn it up, and let it lift your spirit.
- Meditate: try an app, a YouTube video, or simply breathe in for 4 counts and out for 4 with focus.
- Reach out to someone you’ve lost touch with—they’d love to hear from you.
- Clear out a space: desk, closet, drawer, or cabinet—it feels refreshing.
- Stick to a morning or evening routine for stability.
- Write in a gratitude journal—list 5 things each day, even small ones.
- Go to bed a little earlier to give your body and mind more rest.
- Allow yourself to feel your emotions. Pain is temporary—it will pass. Take 10 deep breaths and remind yourself of your strength.
We all experience highs and lows, and this past year has been especially tough. If we don’t pause to reset, we risk running until we burn out. So take this moment—today—to press the reset button for your well-being.