R is for Reset. You know that feeling when life just… piles up? The dishes, the emails, the half-finished projects, and the weird obligation you agreed to six months ago that is suddenly this weekend? Yeah, same.
Sometimes it’s more than that too—it’s the burdens we carry that nobody asked of us, but we somehow feel obligated to take on anyway. This is often called emotional labor or simply being the mother.
Two days ago, I hit a wall. Instead of forcing myself to push through, I did something radical—I stepped away. I hit Reset. And the response from my community? Overwhelming (in the best way). Turns out, a lot of us need permission to pause.
Resetting is the final step in my D.C.L.T.R. framework, and it’s a game-changer. It’s not about quitting or starting over. It’s about giving yourself the space to breathe, recalibrate, and come back stronger. Let’s talk about why this matters, how to do it, and why you don’t need to ‘earn’ a break.
Signs You Might Need a Reset
If you’re not sure whether you need a Reset, here are a few red flags:
✅ You feel physically stuck—like you can’t start or finish anything.
✅ Your space is reflecting your overwhelm (hello, doom piles and floor-drobe).
✅ Small tasks feel impossible and everything is a bit… much.
✅ You’re snapping at your loved ones (or avoiding them completely).
✅ You’re in a cycle of guilt—feeling bad for being behind, but too exhausted to catch up.
If any of these sound familiar, congratulations! You’re human. And you deserve a Reset.
What Resetting Actually Looks Like
Resetting isn’t about scrapping everything and starting fresh. It’s about small, intentional actions that help you regain clarity. Here’s how to do it:
✨ Step 1: Stop and Acknowledge
It’s okay to admit you’re overwhelmed. Say it out loud: I need a Reset. Awareness is the first step.
✨ Step 2: Step Away from the Chaos
Move. Physically step out of the cluttered room, walk outside, or just switch locations. Your brain needs a pattern break.
✨ Step 3: Do a 5-Minute Refresh
Set a timer and reset one thing—a clear surface, a tidy corner, or even just your mindset—this time I reset myself with a guided meditation. No deep cleaning required.
✨ Step 4: Address Basic Needs
Drink water. Eat something nourishing. Take a deep breath. Your brain is not a machine—it needs fuel.
✨ Step 5: Return with Intention
When you’re ready, ease back in. Not with ‘catching up’ (which just triggers guilt), but with one intentional step forward. I shared my Reset with my audience because I know a problem shared is a problem halved—hiding doesn’t help me, sharing does.
You Don’t Have to Earn Rest
One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that we have to ‘deserve’ a break. Neurodivergent brains, especially, thrive when we build rest into our cycles—not as a reward, but as a necessity.
I personally don’t have an ADHD diagnosis, but as someone who has navigated depression, post-natal depression, and anxiety, I know firsthand how crucial it is to recognize when we need to pause. Resetting doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re human. And honoring your brain’s need to pause is the best act of self-care you can give yourself.
So if you’ve been waiting for permission—here it is. Take a breath. Hit Reset. And when you’re ready, start again (but on your terms this time).
Further Reading & Resources:
- Want more decluttering strategies and tips? Download my free guide 20 Quick Declutters and get practical decluttering tips straight to your inbox! Get it here.
- Need one-on-one support? Book a virtual coaching session with me.
- Curious about habit formation? James Clear’s book Atomic Habits is a great read on making lasting change. More on that here.
What’s Your Reset?
I’d love to hear from you! What does Resetting look like in your life? Drop a comment or DM me on Instagram (@laurenwinzar) and let’s chat about it!