5 Ways to Hit the Mental Reset Button

We all know that feeling. That feeling of being drained, stressed out, and in need of a reset.

It can be hard to hit the mental reset button when life gets hectic, but it's definitely worth it!

Hitting the reset button will refresh your mind and body.

If you're looking for a mental health break, look no further! These five ways are simple and can be done at anytime.

How Do You Mentally Reset Your Brain?

You may not know it, but your brain is on autopilot most of time.

Studies show that most of what we do and think occur in our subconscious.

Forbes outlined that our brains are always working telling us what we feel and how to respond in the physical. This in turn has impact on our mental health.

A lot of this is based on our programmed beliefs. Why is this important to know?

Because in order to do a mental reset, we've got to learn what keeps the cycle going and how to break it.

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The Importance of Resetting Physically

When we think about mental resets, we often overlook how much our mind and body is connected.

Author Bessel van der Kolk talks about this in the book, "The Body Keeps Score." Our bodies let us know what we're holding on to even when we think we've moved past something.

This is called trauma. Trauma lives in our bodies until we reset and allow it to leave.

There are many ways to reset physically, but one of the most common is through exercise.

Exercise allows us to tap into the nervous system and release any pent up energy or stress. It's a way of telling our body that everything is okay now.

You don't have to run a marathon or lift heavy weights to reset physically. Taking a yoga class, going for a walk, or even stretching can help your body feel better!

Many people that need a mental reset from daily stress, a loss, or traumatic experience use exercise as therapy.

Resetting Your Brain From Anxiety

Another common antagonists to our mental health is anxiety.

Anxiety can have severe consequences, because it's mostly mental.

The person in this situation is generally consumed with what could happen and not reality. This may be due to a past trauma experience or awareness of events such as what we see on the news.

Our mental then impacts our physical through symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, and trouble sleeping.

Anxiety can also prevent someone from enjoying life and trying new things.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one way to reset your brain from anxiety. This type of therapy helps you understand your thoughts and how they impact your feelings and actions.

You can couple therapy with everyday practices of aiming to retrain your brain with truth. For believers that may be through reading the Word or repeating affirmations based on the Bible.*

Resetting When Life Requires a Restart

Sometimes life altogether requires a reset. It can come during tragedy or huge transitions like a job loss or divorce.

It is important to respond in this moments by considering that your life has shifted and requires a new mindset to move forward.

The goal is not to forget the past, but to reset your focus on what's ahead.

This type of reset requires seeking God first and foremost.

Prayer and journaling can help you sort out your feelings during this time. You may also find comfort in attending a support group or counseling.

Ways to Hit the Mental Reset Button

Here are five simple ways to reset your mental health:

Get rid of distractions. By getting rid of distractions, you're able to focus on what's important. This can be your loved ones, things that are priority, etc. Distractions will use up your resources and allocate time and energy to spaces that can wait or are unnecessary.

Set some boundaries. This can be for others or even you. Boundaries guard your mental health by telling you how far to go with your "yes" and where to say "no".

Take a break from social media. Interestingly enough, social media can be a drain on the mental. First of all, there is research to support the addictive behaviors of the endless scroll. Second, you're programming your mind with other's opinions and influences. Also, while it's good to be informed, too much of a good thing can have negative consequences.

Unplug and disconnect. In the digital age, we are always "on". It's important to unplug and disconnect from work, friends, family, etc. in order to reset. This allows you to focus on other things like spending time in Bible study, meditation, and prayer.

Exercise and eat healthy foods. Your brain and body needs the fuel. Exercise is great for stress relief and reinvigoration. Eating right fights against energy depletion and helps you to stay focused.

When was the last time you reset your mental health? What do you find helpful?

Hitting the reset button is essential for a healthy mind and body. By taking the time to do these things, you're telling yourself that you matter and your mental health is important.

Timiel Dewberry refresh e-book

I penned a devotional entitled "Refresh" which provides an easy process to refresh your mind and life.

We all need an ongoing reset routine.

Don't wait until it's too late! Start resetting today!