My weekly reset routine + tips for creating your own routine!

Here we are again, a new week ahead of us, with the same old anxiety. I find the more unprepared I am starting off my week, the worse my anxiety is. 

This being said, I know a lot of you can relate. So, I’ve compiled a bunch of helpful tips and resources I’ve created to help you organize your week for optimal productivity.

I recommend doing your reset on a quiet day, like a Sunday. Or really any day you have time to tackle a few things. 

Another thing, if our weekly reset routine looks different, that’s O.K. We should have a different reset day because we live different lives! YOU decide which day you want to take as your reset day! Whatever day works best with your schedule. 

I tried to break down the day into 3 parts. Now keep in mind, you don’t have to do these things every week. Just simply finding a rhythm that works best for you is what I want to help with. 

Don’t feel guilty if you miss a week, can’t complete every task, or simply dont have the energy to! Sometimes resting is important too you know 

Part 1: Start Your Day Off Strong

I find the first few hours of each day often sets the tempo for the rest of the day. Not to say you can’t change it up during the day, but usually, my mornings are a good prediction of my productivity levels for the day ahead. 

My Reset Morning Routine 

I like to start my mornings slowly. On the weekends I usually sleep in a little, then slowly wake up to a nice warm coffee. 

• Wake up
• Hydrate!
• Coffee
• Turn on diffuser 
• Get ready (comfy outfit)
• Breakfast

Morning To-do’s

As a university student, I find doing all these life admin tasks in one day helps me to be organized throughout the upcoming week. 

Change Bed Sheets 

I love the feeling of clean sheets, so I wash my bedsheets every week. If every week doesn’t fit your schedule, I recommend washing your sheets bi-weekly then. 

So, after my morning routine, I change my bed sheets and put them in the wash. I like to have the laundry started earlier in the day, so I have more than enough time to finish washing them.

There’s nothing worse than it suddenly being 10:00 pm, and my sheets are still wet in the washer. I advise getting them washed early in the day. 

Tidy Room + Common Areas

Personally, I don’t think clearly when my space is messy. I get easily distracted and cannot focus if my home is cluttered and disorganized.

Cleaning up my space allows me to mentally take on more stimuli, as there are fewer external stimuli. 

Some things I include in my cleaning time are:

• Sweep/vacuum
• Mop
• Wipe all surfaces 
• Empty dishwasher 
• Restock important items 
• Put away loose objects/clutter

Now that your room and common areas are clean and tidy, you can relax a little knowing you’ve already accomplished your space reset!

Plan Out Tasks 

Moving forward, I find what works best for me is to write down my tasks. I love planning things out in my planners/journals! 

The technique I use is to brain-dump everything I would like to get done, then go through and prioritize the tasks. 

Since you’re already planning, you can also take time to plan + prioritize your week. 

Ask yourself these questions:

• What do you need/want to accomplish today to prepare you for this upcoming week 
• What are three non-negotiable tasks to complete this week
• What are your weekly goals 
• Did you schedule social activities with friends/family?
• Did you schedule some time to rest?
• Do you need to book any appointments?
• When can you add movement to your week?

Part 2: Power Hours & Rest Time

Lunch 

Eat a nutritious lunch, this will give you the energy to complete your tasks for today! Make sure you’re also staying hydrated throughout the day. 

Power Hours Tasks

Finish laundry 

By this time, your previous laundry loads should be ready to be flipped over. After, throw in a load of clothes, towels, or anything else that needs to be washed!

Taking the extra time to reset your life will save so much time and stress throughout the upcoming week. 

Groceries + Meal Prep

Honestly, I’m a hot mess if I don’t go to the grocery store with a list in mind. My attention is always shifting in the store and I don’t buy efficient products. 

Oh also, never go hungry. But seriously, having a list with me ensures I will actually buy enough food to make multiple, creative meals. Not just fun snacks. 

I find that when I purchase in a planned way, I can also meal prep on my reset day, which frees up so much time and stress throughout my week.

Extra Tasks

Anything that you’ve planned out from the morning now is your chance to get it done! Or really, anything that has been sitting on your to-do list for a while now.

It’s as simple as that!

Part 3: Get Ready for Bed & Tomorrow 

Wow! You’ve made it through another day! Be proud of showing up for yourself today. 

Dinner 

After grocery shopping, today, treat yourself to a nice dinner! Try cooking something new, and spend some time immersed in cooking. 

Free time

You’ve worked hard enough today/this past week. Enjoy the rest of your day to relax! 

Ultimately, the goal is to not burn yourself out. Life is about balance and after a reset routine day like today, balance it out with some disconnecting. 

Relax (guilt-free), connect with a loved one, and/or work on your favourite hobby that you “never have time to do”.

Journal 

Honestly, if I didn’t journal, I don’t even want to know how bad my mental health would be. I’m not saying I’m perfect, but journaling is an essential part of my weekly reset routine. 

Journaling allows me to reflect on my week, and see if my behavior aligns with my intentions. Then, I set my new intentions for the week. 

I also list new goals I’m working towards and things I want to accomplish. I find journaling helps me non-judgementally reflect and reset each week. 

My Night Routine 

Ending my night off, I like to slowly wind down. Things I do every night include: 

• Tidy up
• Pack for work/school
• Pick out tomorrow’s outfit 
• Get ready for bed 
• Log off social media 
• Read/journal 

Creating Your Own Reset Routine 

Stay realistic and don’t burn yourself out! If your body desperately needs a rest day, listen and rest. Here are some tips to create your own routine.

Creating A Reset Routine

Consider these tasks when planning your daily routine: 

• Sleep hygiene 
• Avoid overstimulation  
• Stay hydrated 
• Create a balanced diet 
• Be mindful/find peace daily 
• Move your body! 
• Connect with others
• Reflect/journal 

Things to include in your Weekly routine:

• Wake up time 
• Breakfast 
• Me time
• Get ready 
• Plan your task list 
• Create an action plan 
• Lunch 
• Schedule in breaks!
• Physical activity 
• Mindfulness minutes 
• Dinner 
• Rest time
• hobbies/activities 
• Get ready for bed 
• Downtime 
• Bedtime 

Coming Soon to Birch Tree

Big things are coming in 2023! I would absolutely love it if you joined our email community! Never miss out on an update. 

Stay up to date about our journaling section coming to the Birch Tree Community. I’ll be creating so many different prompts and other special surprises. 

Talk to you later! 

XOXO,

Mere