7 ways to give yourself a reset when life gets out of hand

Isn’t it funny how life can sometimes feel like a runaway train?

One moment you’re cruising along, everything is on track, and the next, you’re hurtling through chaos at breakneck speed.

It happens to all of us.

Now, I’m no expert, but I’ve picked up a trick or two for pulling the emergency brake when life gets out of hand.

You might be thinking, “Can I really press the reset button on life?”

Here’s the thing: you absolutely can. When life goes haywire, it’s not only possible but necessary to reassess, recenter, and reset.

In this article, I’ll share seven strategies that have worked for me when things got a little too chaotic.

These are practical steps that can help bring clarity and restore balance.

They’re about taking control and navigating life’s challenges with renewed energy and perspective.

1) Prioritize self-care

You know that feeling when your phone battery is hovering at 1% and you’re frantically searching for a charger?

That’s exactly what it feels like when we neglect self-care.

 When life is in overdrive, it’s easy to put your needs on the back burner.

But trust me, that’s when self-care matters the most.

Whether it’s a relaxing bubble bath, a good book, or a brisk walk in the park – take time for activities that recharge your batteries and feed your soul.

You’ll be surprised at how a little ‘me-time’ can reset your mind and prepare you for whatever life throws at you.

2) Declutter your space

Ever walked into a messy room and immediately felt overwhelmed? I’ve been there too.

Just last month, amidst a particularly hectic period, I found myself in a room filled with stacks of paperwork, disorganized books, and laundry begging to be folded.

The physical clutter mirrored the chaos in my mind.

So, I decided to declutter.

I spent an entire Saturday sorting, organizing, and cleaning.

As I threw out the old and reorganized the new, it felt like I was resetting my life.

The result? A clearer mind and a significant drop in my stress levels.

Trust me on this one. A clean, organized space can work wonders on your mental state.

Give it a try when life starts to spiral. You might just find the calm amidst the chaos.

3) Embrace the power of ‘No’

Here’s a confession. I used to be a chronic people-pleaser. Yes, you heard me right.

I’d say yes to everything, even if it meant stretching myself thin.

I was juggling so many commitments, I had barely any time or energy left for myself. And guess what? It only brought me stress and exhaustion.

Then, one day, it hit me. It’s okay to say ‘No’.

It was hard at first, but learning to turn down requests that didn’t align with my priorities was incredibly liberating.

It gave me the space and time to focus on what truly mattered.

So, if your life feels like a circus and you’re the overworked ringmaster, it’s time to step back.

Saying ‘No’ isn’t about being selfish or rude; it’s about respecting your own limits and prioritizing your well-being.

4) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness. It’s a term we’ve all heard, but how many of us have truly embraced it?

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. How could simply focusing on the present moment make any difference?

But then I tried it.

I began with just five minutes a day, focusing on my breath and letting go of racing thoughts.

The result was eye-opening. I felt calmer, more grounded, and surprisingly, more equipped to handle life’s curveballs.

Using mindfulness as a tool doesn’t mean you need to meditate for hours or become a yoga enthusiast.

It simply means cultivating awareness of the present moment and letting go of past regrets and future anxieties.

If life gets chaotic, take a mindful pause.

You might find that this simple act can reset your perspective and offer the mental clarity you need to move forward.

5) Get moving

Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormones.

So when life gets out of hand, one of the quickest ways to hit that reset button is to get your body moving.

Now, I’m not suggesting you run a marathon or join the nearest CrossFit gym.

It could be as simple as a 10-minute dance party in your living room or a brisk walk around the block.

The idea is to channel that pent-up stress and energy into something positive.

Not only does it help clear your mind, but it also improves your overall health and well-being.

6) Reach out to others

We’ve all been there. Life’s spinning out of control and it feels like we’re alone in the chaos.

Here’s the truth.

You’re not alone.

During my toughest times, I’ve found solace in reaching out to others.

Whether it was a heart-to-heart with a close friend, or opening up to a family member, it helped me feel less isolated.

There is strength in vulnerability.

Sharing our struggles doesn’t make us weak; it makes us human.

And often, you’ll find that others have walked similar paths and can offer guidance or simply lend a listening ear.

So don’t hesitate to reach out when life gets tough. We’re all in this together.

7) Accept that it’s okay to not be okay

Life’s a roller coaster, filled with ups, downs, twists, and turns. And sometimes, it’s more a series of gut-wrenching drops than easy rides.

It’s perfectly okay to not have it all together. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and lost.

It’s okay to admit that you’re struggling.

We’re often too hard on ourselves, expecting perfection when all we really need is to give ourselves a break.

Accepting that it’s okay to not be okay allows for healing and growth.

So take a deep breath and remind yourself: You’re human. You’re doing your best.

And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

Final thoughts

It’s okay if life feels a little overwhelming at times, and it’s okay to admit that you need a reset.

These strategies are tools, born from personal experiences and countless others who’ve walked similar paths.

They’re about granting yourself permission to pause, reassess, and realign your life.

Life is a journey, filled with highs and lows. And in those lows, remember that you have the power to hit reset.

Take these steps. Try them out. And most importantly, show kindness and patience towards yourself.

You’re navigating this journey called life, and that in itself is a feat worth celebrating.