Back to Basics: Simple Shifts to Reset and Reconnect

When life throws a curveball—whether it’s a sudden, jarring event or simply feeling off balance—it can be hard to know what to do next. Instead of reacting to life’s chaos, I’ve developed a personal protocol to help me realign and reconnect. Because I subscribe to the belief that life is happening for me, not to me, I do my best to start listening deeper. Coming back to basics really helps me uncover what life might be inviting me to notice or hear. These simple, accessible practices are free (or nearly free), and they’ve become my go-to for finding equilibrium again. Today, I’m sharing them with you in hopes they’ll bring a sense of peace and steadiness when you need it most.

1. Sleep
   Prioritize it—nine hours for me I noticed is where I feel optimized, and sometimes even a nap. When life feels overwhelming, I focus on getting the rest I need. As a mother, this sometimes means syncing naps with my toddler’s schedule—a blessing I don’t take for granted. I’ve learned to press pause on non-essential tasks and simplify wherever I can, even if it’s just for a week. Rest allows me to reset and show up better for myself and those around me.

2. Sunshine
   A daily dose of 20-30 minutes in the morning does wonders for balancing hormones, boosting vitamin D, and nourishing my overall well-being. It’s a simple practice with big effects, and I find it sets the tone for my day.

3. Exercise
   Movement is essential, but I keep it adaptable. Some days it’s a 30-40 minute walk, others a jog, or gentle low-impact stretches. Bonus: I try to combine this with my sunshine time for an efficient 2-for-1 boost!

4. Nourishing Foods
   Simple, healthy meals full of fruits, vegetables, and proteins become my priority. Extras like sugary snacks (even the natural ones) take a back seat, as I know they can drain my energy rather than replenish it.

5. Lower Caffeine Intake
   Reducing caffeine helps minimize stress and allows my body to rest more deeply. When I cut back, I often find I naturally need more sleep, which feels restorative rather than draining. This adjustment can feel challenging at first, but the benefits are worth it and the shift usually happens within two days.

6. Disconnect from Social Media
   Social noise can amplify stress and pull me further off center. I log out or delete apps temporarily to create space for stillness and clarity. This digital detox helps me reconnect with myself and focus on what truly matters.

7. Revisit My Rituals
   My daily practices of meditation, journaling, and pulling a card from my Simple Shifts deck ground me. When these rituals have fallen by the wayside in any way, I gently bring them back into my routine with intention. They serve as an anchor, reminding me to tune in, turn up, trust, and take aligned action.

This simple protocol has been my anchor when I feel reactive, frustrated, notice negative internal dialogue or feel out of tune with myself. Over time, I’ve learned that these small shifts compound into a stronger sense of inner connection and balance. They are practical, accessible, and cost little to nothing aside from the food you already buy—yet they offer immense value.

One client recently shared that her "back to basics" moment involved decluttering her space. She found that letting go of things, and creating more organization in her space also helped her de-clutter and organize her thoughts. I’ve experienced this too, as clearing physical clutter often clears mental and emotional clutter as well.

So whether you’re seeking a reset, a rebalance, or a reconnection, it’s never too late to start. The key is to focus on what feels doable and give yourself the patience and grace to show up for yourself. These small, consistent actions can bring you back to life and create a ripple effect of positive change the key word being consistent.

Happy Shifting!