I put a post on LinkedIn earlier this week about how—like our devices—we all need time to recharge and reset. Each day, and whenever we need it.

Whether it’s a few minutes to walk outside, saying no to something that’s draining your energy, or simply pausing to breathe and let go of what’s stressing you out—small resets can work wonders.

Ironically, just as I hit post—literally finishing the sentence…

“Take a beat. Breathe. Step away for a moment.”

Something happened that frustrated me with my computer, and I had a little tech rage and yelled “F&@$!” at the screen.

Not exactly a calm and collected moment.

And definitely a sign that I needed a reset!

Self-awareness is key. Now let’s zoom out a bit…

It had been a good day overall. I’m pretty intentional about protecting my downtime each day and when I need it. And moments like that are rare these days.

But it was also a week where a few things were going wrong in the business, and I was feeling frustrated with slower progress . . . and people.

I’ve been working on a website refresh and balancing my high standards with actually getting it done—and letting it be “good enough”.

I also know that when I have more speaking events or coaching sessions on the calendar, I have less outward energy to give. I am a full-blown introvert!

It’s like I save and use my energy for speaking or coaching—and then I want to hide away from everything else that is external work-wise.

That day, even writing a social media post (which I try to do thoughtfully—not just for the sake of posting, but to share something I believe will help) felt like too much.

What was supposed to be a 15-minute task took 45 minutes, and I knew I didn’t have the energy for it before I even started.

Something as small as a social media post + a tech glitch = left me a little crazy. 😉

But it wasn’t really about that one small thing that happened in the moment. It was about everything else that had piled up that day and week.

The old me would have just pushed through. But I’ve learned over time, our emotions are signals—an invitation to pay attention.

To pause and accept the cue to reset, and not keep pushing through.

So I took my own advice…Take a beat. Breathe. Step away for a moment.

I stepped outside into the sunshine and took a break. I shifted my perspective and focus to how I wanted to feel, and how I wanted to show up.

That quick reset made all the difference.

And from there, the day got back on track. I delivered a great virtual presentation, went for a walk that evening, had ice cream with my family, and felt so much better.

Instead of it being a bad rest of the day, it was a bad 10 minutes.

We all have those moments where we feel stretched—or even just a little crazy in the moment. When our emotions get the best of us.

And when you’re already feeling worn down, it might feel even harder to pause—but it’s even more necessary.

Those resets are what can help you navigate your day and the messier moments.

Think of it less as managing your time, and more as managing your energy.

So give yourself permission for some downtime each day and whenever you need it—even if it’s only a few minutes at a time (the more space, the better).

It’ll help you feel more balanced and resilient, and support your mental health.

And when you return to whatever’s on your plate, you’ll be more focused and productive.

Now, it also helps when you have space in your calendar to begin with to take a break or flex as you need.

Space is also a power move.

Want some ideas for how you could add more space into your day? Here are eight effective boundaries to better protect your time and energy.

Finally, as you head into this weekend, what can you do to recharge and reset?

And if you’re feeling frustrated this very moment, remember… Take a beat. Breathe. Step away for a moment.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott

Enjoy your weekend! I’m here cheering you on.

Stacey

Stacey Olson, CPPC is a speaker, leadership coach, and author of Your Balanced and Bold Life: Work Less, Live More, and Be Your Best. She helps busy professionals create more balance, stress less, and be their best both at work and at home—even with the constant demands and messy everyday life. Learn more and get the book here.