How To: The 24 Refresh

Some days I wake up and feel like melting into a puddle. One thing that I often need to remind myself is that there is no shame in this. We don’t have a whole lot of control over which emotions we feel at any given time; we can only control our ways of reacting to those emotions. So when my day feels like it is starting out the wrong way, I try to get ahead of it the best I can. I give myself a “refresh day”. Many corporate companies offer “wellness” or “refresh” days as part of their PTO policy - don’t be afraid to use it!

For me, as someone without a structured “time off” plan, I choose a random day that I have off to designate as my wellness and reset day.

Here is what I do:

1. Move the Body

Whether it be a morning walk or run, a weightlifting session, or a workout class, this is what I have found to be the most efficient way to start off a reset. My vice is solidcore, but do whatever makes you feel good. I like to walk to class if there is good weather; it’s a nice warm up and I love getting sun on my face.

Endorphins will instantly make you feel better, and any way to raise your heart rate leads you to a healthier you.

2. Get a Coffee/Treat

I know this sounds silly, but Pavlov really knew what he was talking about. If you ‘reward’ yourself with a favorite drink or, for me, a chocolate croissant and iced oat milk latte from Tatte, it will give you a little pep for the rest of the day.

Some people might say that this “creates negative habits” and to that I say: it’s okay. We don’t have to say no to everything every day. Life is rooted in balance.

3. A Relaxing Stroll (and Perhaps Some Retail Therapy)

Now, I am very luckily in that the two solidcore studios I alternate between are both walking distance from my house. I love sipping my iced coffee and snacking on something as I listen to a good playlist and walk home. Sometimes I’ll make a stop or two on the walk; window-shopping is an overlooked source of entertainment, in my opinion.

While window-shopping as a term often indicates the absence of purchases, I often find myself unable go without finding something just lovely enough to buy. My preferred locations to browse are bookshops (obviously), any clothing store, a plant or home decor shop, a farmer’s market or outdoor market, and so on. Retail therapy can sometimes really get me out of a slump, and if that’s what works for you too, embrace it! Don’t break the bank, but don’t be afraid to refresh and recycle a few closet items every once in a while or buy a whimsy new decor item for a changing season. One thing I have tried to remind myself of recently is how we bring the ‘magic’ and joy into our own lives, too. You deserve a little joy.

4. The Famous ‘Everything Shower’

The everything shower has become a bit of a household name, and I kind of love that. For anyone who is unfamiliar: the ‘everything shower’ is a concept of the shower you take when you need a full reset. Hair gets washed and/or shaved, body gets scrubbed and exfoliated, face gets a mask. Whatever makes you feel fresh and clean is what an everything shower consists of. My full routine is a bit dramatic, but it does the job.

5. Power Hour

Once you feel like you have completed your shower routine, put on a comfy outfit, and set a one hour timer for yourself. During that time, get AT LEAST one task done that you have been procrastinating. To make it easier, base things purely on necessity and convenience. Often, I find myself doing one task that I know will be fast so that I can get it over with, but that usually leads to momentum for me where I knock out several things on my to-do list without even realizing it. It’s almost like playing a trick on myself.

Once the hour timer is up and you’ve wrapped up, it is likely mid-afternoon and you should grab some food - whether it’s making yourself something or ordering out.

6. Relaxation Time

While you enjoy whatever you chose to eat, take some downtime and maybe put on the tv miniseries you’ve been meaning to start, or listen to your favorite playlist and just chill. For me, this usually consists of making a little charcuterie plate and watching TV or listening to a podcast.

7. Wash Your Sheets

This is easily one of my least favorite chores, but it does make you feel better. You can put them in before your downtime and relax before flipping them to the dryer, or whatever way you can convince yourself to get it done, but try to knock that out and you will feel much more fresh and restful the rest of the week.

8. Make Dinner Fun

This could mean so many different things so I figured I’d give some options.

1. Cook yourself your favorite comfort meal. Anything that feels good and is not taxing for you to make. You could also order in your favorite takeout. Get yourself a yummy meal and sit down and enjoy a night in. Maybe you take time to learn a hobby you’ve been meaning to try, or you binge-watch a comfort show. A night in can be so fun.

2. Go out to a fancy little dinner (either by yourself or with friends) and wear a cute little outfit or a comfy athleisure set and go to a restaurant that’s been on your mind lately. If with friends, have lovely conversation and feel gratitude for the opportunity we get to form connections with our peers. If dining alone, perhaps bring a book and break up each chapter by doing some people watching. Enjoy delicious food and a cocktail if you’re feeling it.

Whatever way you choose to, end the day with something that brings you joy for your final meal. Make an experience out of it that you enjoy.

9. Wind Down

To conclude your reset day, change into a set of cozy pajamas and climb into your freshly washed sheets and do a relaxing activity. For me, that means journaling, doing a crossword, or reading a book. I love to journal before bed so that I can attempt to let all the thoughts out of my head — not always a guaranteed result. But any way in which you are able to wind down works just the same.

I hope that if you are in need of a reset day, you give yourself one. And if you follow what I try to do, I hope you feel refreshed and calm the next day.

What does your reset day consist of?