Reset

There are days that simply require a reset. I'm learning that I can neutralize the negative and reset to a peaceful place. I don't have to wait until the next day to simply see what hand I'm dealt. I can actively participate in the reset, and the faster I can 1) acknowledge I'm grumpy, off, looping in negative thoughts, and 2) take a neutralizing action to help restore my peace, the better. It's a practice of emotional regulation that applies in my business world as much as it does in my personal life.

The first step—recognizing when we're off—isn't always as obvious as it sounds. Sometimes I catch myself mid-complaint, or notice I've been sighing more than usual, or realize I'm mentally rehearsing arguments with people who aren't even present. These are my signals. Your signals might be different: maybe you're scrolling social media with unusual intensity, or your shoulders have crept up toward your ears, or you find yourself being shorter with people than you normally would be. The key is developing your own early recognition system.

Once you've caught yourself in that spiral (because loop and loop we will), the second step is choosing your reset technique. The options are simpler than we often make them:

Take a walk outside, listen to music, ground in nature, nap. But what if you're stuck in the office? The reset doesn't have to be elaborate. Can you step outside and give yourself 5 minutes of sun exposure? Or indulge in a favorite coffee, tea, sparkling water? Find a funny reel and let yourself laugh?

Here's what I've learned to be true: your day is not wasted. We can restore to a centered point of peace. It is possible. The faster you find it, the more you're claiming back your time. The energy suckers do not deserve this much attention. As Anne Lamott says, "almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes. Including you."