Bad Day Reset Routine: 10 Soothing Things to Try
Because sometimes everything is a bit too much, and that’s okay.
We all have those days where everything feels off, nothing goes right, and you’re one mildly inconvenient upset away from tears. So, when the world is loud and your brain is louder, it helps to have a little reset list that offers up a soft place to land and some small rituals to bring you back to yourself.
Here are 10 gentle and doable things to try when you need a reset after a rough day.
1. Change Your Scenery (Even Slightly)
Open a window, step outside, sit in a different chair, or lie on the floor, just shift “something”. A change in view can help you see things slightly differently.
2. Make a Warm Drink (That Isn’t For The Caffeine)
Herbal tea, hot squash, hot milk with cinnamon, something that says “comfort” more than “let’s go.” Bonus points if it’s in your favourite mug.
3. Do a Notification Cleanse
Turn your phone onto do not disturb, mute the chaos, and give your brain some breathing room. Even for just 15 minutes.
4. Put on Soft Clothes
Cosy jumper? Fluffy socks? Big hoodie that swallows you whole? Yes please. This is now your soft armour.
5. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Trick
Name:
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
It’s a way to get your brain to slow down and help you ground yourself.
6. Hug a Cushion (or a Pet, or Yourself)
No shame in curling up like a human burrito. Physical comfort matters. A squishy hug can soothe more than we realise.
7. Press Play on Something Familiar
A favourite playlist, soft lo-fi beats, or an old comfort show you’ve half-memorised. Let it wrap around your brain like a weighted blanket.
8. Something That Smells Nice
Light a candle, use a favourite hand cream, spritz some pillow mist little sensory treats can gently lift your mood without pressure.
9. Doodle or Colour Something (Badly is Fine)
Grab whatever pen is nearby and scribble your feelings out. No goal. No art school rules. Just motion and calm.
10. Lie Down and Do Nothing on Purpose
Set a timer for 10 minutes, and do nothing. No scrolling, no fixing, no doing. Just exist. You are not a machine; you’re allowed to pause.
Bad Days Happen. You’re Still Doing Okay.
There’s no perfect way to “fix” a rough day. But sometimes, you need to give yourself permission to slow down, reset, and not spiral. You don’t need to bounce back, you just have to breathe and have a few minutes’ peace.
What is your favourite way to rest after a bad day?
Competiton
If you are like me and a sweet treat is your go to when your feeling a bit low, then this competition might be for you, as I am giving away a Monty Bojangles Cocoa Dusted Chocolate Truffles Cat Tin (please note the image on the Gleam widget is just for show and might not be the tin you receive).
If you would like to be in with a chance of winning all you need to do is follow the options on the Gleam widget below.
Win a Monty Bojangles Cocoa Dusted Chocolate Truffles Cat Tin.There is no mandatory entry option in this competition; all entries are optional. However, entering via multiple methods gives you more entries into the final draw.
Good Luck!
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Amazing post
Curling up in bed with something familiar and comforting on the tv and an enormous supply of chocolate! Cos chocolate fixes everything
try and keep busy tidy the house or do gardening whist listening music and forget about the troubles
Probably just going to bed early and telling myself that tomorrow’s another day.
Thank you so much! x
My best way to relax after a hard days work is to change into my comfy pyjamas, jump on the couch with my two cats and a big chocolate bar, and settle down and watch a good film!
Reading a book
Ooh I love to snuggle up with my fave blanket and a cup of hot chocolate and read a good book..
I lie down in a dark, quiet room for 1h with my eye mask on. This really helps me to rest my body and mind completely.
Reading a book is the perfect form of escapism for me and let’s me forget about the day I’ve had.
In a bubble bath, with a good book and a cup of tea!
I truly love the way you think! I am taking advantage of your wonderful ideas!
I love to curl up with a good book and a supply of chocolates
A takeaway tea with no washing up! Followed by some tv viewing, a hot drink, a good book and cuddles with my dog
I like to do a jigsaw to stop me overthinking
I like a glass of wine – a delicious dinner cooked by my husband and then some mindless TV which doesn’t require too much thought
Just chill out on the sofa and watch some TV and
A hot bubble bath & a good book!
Pop one chunk of dark chocolate into my mouth and do nothing until it has melted away. I just sit with my eyes closed savouring the taste and sensation and ignoring everything else.
Ohh now that sounds lovely – just enjoying the flavour and the moment.
A nice cup of tea and biscuits whilst pottering around my garden.
Can’t beat a good cuppa can you?
I’d have a day of taking it easy. Watching tv, comfort foods and being kind to
Myself
That’s a good way to try and look after yourself.
I love laying down and doing nothing on purpose, it is my fav evening activity to wind down
It seems like some of you are so good at doing nothing on purpose, my brain always wanders off and I need to do something with my hands haha!
Watch a good crime drama with a nice glass of red wine.
I like to have a soak in the bath with a good book
I put something mindless on TV and just mentally switch off for a while.
Do you have shows you like to watch over and over?
I like to go for a walk to sweep away the cobwebs if I’ve had a bad day. It’s definitely a mood lifter for me.
There’s nothing like getting out for a walk sometimes is there – I miss being able to do that.
A long soak in the bath with a large glass of wine
My favourite way to relax after a bad day is to snuggle down on the sofa with a cup of tea & a good book
A half hour walk around our local castle grounds to take in the beauty of the scenery followed by a long, warm bath, fluffy towels and a cup of hot chocolate . It puts everything into perspective,
A cup of Yorkshire tea and a good book
A lovely bath, a candle and silence!
I love to light a candle. dim all the lights and play some loud music from Queen or Meatloaf and loose myself in it.
My favourite way to rest after a bad day is to have a good evening meal and a warm bath.
I love to watch something funny on TV and have some nibbles.
A walk with the dog really helps me reset after a bad day. A walk together in nature makes me realise the bigger picture.
Sit on a sofa and read a good book
As a ;crazy cat lady’, I love these tins as much as the contents!
I like to have the different view and with my very favourite chocolates – Monty Bojangles – yes please.
I unwind with a vodka and tonic and a good book.
reading a book and a long soak in the bath
I would read lying on the sofa to rest my body and distract my mind
I like to relax with a nice cup of tea after a bad day!
chilling on the sofa watching tv
I love to knit and find it really therapeutic so it’s my favourite thing to do to unwind
Watching a good film with a hot cup of tea.