That Was A Lot: 10 Ways To Actually Reset After A Long, Trying Year

Over the course of this year, people have gone through A LOT. Work stress, family obligations, money pressure, relationships, health scares, personal losses, societal expectations – it all stacks up fast. Even the good stuff can be draining when it never stops. You’re constantly showing up, holding it together, being dependable, being “strong,” and by the time you finally get a moment to breathe, you realize how tired you really are. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

RELATED CONTENT: 6 Toxic Communication Habits You Need To Break Today

Burnout is real, and it doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it shows up as irritability, procrastination, numbness, or that feeling of being checked out, even when life is moving fast around you. Most people try to push through it because slowing down feels irresponsible or impossible. But ignoring burnout doesn’t make it disappear – it just makes it louder later. That’s why the idea of a reset matters, even if it’s not some dramatic life overhaul.

The end of the year hits different because it naturally creates space. Things slow down a bit. Schedules loosen. There’s a pause built into the calendar that doesn’t exist anywhere else. It’s one of the few times where reflecting doesn’t feel forced. You can look back at what drained you, what stretched you, what broke you down, and what surprised you – without immediately needing to fix everything. That pause is powerful.

Resetting doesn’t mean erasing the year or pretending it didn’t hurt. It means acknowledging that you made it through and deciding how you want to move forward. The end of the year gives you permission to release what no longer fits and realign without pressure. Not to become a “new person” overnight, but to step into the next chapter a little lighter, clearer, and more intentional than before.

WAYS TO ACTUALLY RESET AFTER A LONG, TRYING YEAR:

Start with a mental reset before a physical one

Before cleaning your space or changing habits, take time to quiet your thoughts. Rest your mind first so your actions come from clarity, not exhaustion.

Clean something small

Delete old emails, clear your camera roll, or organize one folder. Small wins create momentum and make your brain feel less cluttered.

Unplug from scrolling

Step away from endless timelines and comparisons. Silence helps you hear your own thoughts again.

Release and reflect

Let yourself feel the year – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Reflection isn’t about judgment, it’s about understanding.

Reset your body

Drink more water, stretch, sleep in, and eat something nourishing. Your body remembers stress even when your mind ignores it.

Close a few open loops

Send the message, give the apology, say what you meant to say. Closure frees up more mental space than you realize.

Revisit your boundaries

What drained you this year? Adjust access accordingly. Protecting your energy isn’t selfish.

Create a soft re-entry into the new year

Don’t pressure yourself to go full speed on January 1st. Ease into routines and expectations.

Let go of the year without rushing gratitude

You don’t have to be thankful for everything that hurts. It’s okay to just release it.

Choose a word for how you want to feel

Not a goal – a feeling. Peace. Stability. Freedom. Joy. Let that guide your decisions moving forward.

RELATED CONTENT: Heck No!: 8 Habits We’re Not Carrying Into 2026