The Reset Blog Post
A mental reset can involve techniques that help you feel rejuvenated and recharge. Here are some things you can try:
- SleepGetting enough restful sleep is important for both physical and mental health. A 2021 study found that people who sleep less than 6 hours per night are more likely to report mental distress.
- Eat healthyThe brain and gut are connected by neurotransmitters, so what you eat can impact your brain.
- MeditateMeditation can help reduce stress, improve focus, and clear your mind. It also produces serotonin, a hormone that stabilizes mood.
- Practice gratitudeTake time each day to focus on things you’re grateful for. This can help shift your mindset and make you more positive.
- Practice mindfulnessMindfulness and meditation can help you stay present and reduce the impact of negative thoughts and feelings.
- Connect with othersSpending time with friends or family, talking to someone about how you’re feeling, or helping others can improve your mental health.
- ExercisePhysical activity that increases your heart rate can help preserve your mental health.
- Walk in natureSpending time in nature can make you happier.
Other things you can try include: Taking a break, Seeking out laughter, Changing your scenery, and Writing it down.
Can you believe it’s December already? As we approach the end of the year, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of hitting the reset button, especially during this time. We all need a moment to pause, refocus, and destress, and there’s no better opportunity than now.
For me, this past year has been quite the adventure. Moving to a new place, diving into socializing and rebuilding friendships, all while navigating the delightful chaos of working with kids, has been exhilarating but also quite exhausting. I definitely feel it’s time for a break! Thankfully, with winter break right around the corner, I have two weeks off to recharge.
I’m heading back to Texas to spend some quality time with my family and my beloved dog. This getaway couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment. I pride myself on being self-aware, and lately, I’ve noticed signs that I’m nearing my limit—irritability, sensitivity, and just not feeling like my usual self. It’s clear to me that a mental reset is necessary.
As we wrap up this year, I encourage everyone to take a moment for themselves. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a cozy day at home, or simply taking a breath, let’s embrace the idea of resetting. After all, we owe it to ourselves to enter the new year feeling refreshed and ready for new opportunities!
“This is an awful thing that’s happened to you, but it’s also presenting you with a rare opportunity. You have the chance to rebuild yourself from the ground up, to make a completely fresh start.”
― Gordon Korman,
This insightful quote speaks to the heart of not only grief but to the broader challenges we face in our mental health journeys. We all experience stress for various reasons, and how we navigate that stress can greatly impact our well-being. As Korman suggests, when we encounter a setback or create a meaningful pause in our lives, we’re often gifted with a rare opportunity to rebuild and refresh our mental state.
It’s vital to seize these moments. Taking a step back can help prevent feelings of burnout, frustration, or harm—whether to ourselves or to those around us. So, to everyone reading this, if you haven’t already carved out some time for yourself, I encourage you to do so now during this holiday season. Before the new year unfolds, consider the importance of a reset. We all need a little breather—from the hustle and bustle, from the pressures of life.
This season is a perfect time to relax, recharge, and surround yourself with those who lift you up (or in my case, it’s my beloved dog!). Embrace this chance for renewal. Wishing you all a delightful holiday season filled with joy and love. Here’s to catching up in the new year, rejuvenated and ready for new beginnings!
What I’m Currently Working on
These days, my schedule feels like a balancing act of teaching, writing, and refining my craft, especially as I prepare to reset my focus during the upcoming winter break. I’m excited to return home to Texas, where I’ll recharge and reflect on the new poems I’ve been crafting alongside my students. Their voices and experiences resonate deeply with my own journey of learning and discovery.
As I look ahead to the year winding down and the prospects of what comes after July, I’m eager to share my plans and continued progress. To stay updated on my journey and what I’ll be working on next, feel free to visit the Works in Progress Page or follow the Facebook Page, where I share daily updates and fun tidbits.
Author Recommendation
This week at work, my 8th graders read Langston Hughes’s “Let America Be America Again.” While the poem isn’t directly related to the holiday season, I found it particularly relevant as we approach this much-needed break. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reflection and the opportunity to reset our perspectives. Langston Hughes is a compelling voice for introspection, making him a fitting author to feature in this month’s post about resetting and envisioning a better future. Despite the challenges of teaching it during this busy time, I love Langston’s work, and I felt it was essential for my students to engage with his message.
Poem for the Month
If you follow the Facebook page, you might have seen this poem I wrote, which resonates with this month’s theme of resetting. As I prepare to return home to Texas for winter break, I feel a sense of renewal and reflection.
To be Home
Home,
where my heart still resides,
a place I long to be,
where love abides.
Home,
how I have missed your gentle glow,
a warmth that only grows, as christmas lights begin to show.
Away,
I’ve grown, yet yearned for what’s past,
to share my newfound self, with love
that forever lasts.
Away,
I’ve found myself, and others who care,
yet Home remains,
where love’s pure flame is always there.
I’m grateful for the journey, for growth, and lessons learned,
More grateful still to return,
to the love that forever yearns.
Home,
where my heart beats strong,
a place to rest,
to recharge, and belong.
JustLj.com 