My Simple Weekly Reset Routine

To be honest, when I thought about my simple weekly reset routine, I didn’t really know where to start.

I’m not going to tell you I wake up early on weekends to go for long walks, journal, or “reset” in some perfect way. I like the idea of all those things, but the truth is, by Friday evening, I’m exhausted.

All I really want is to get into bed, have a glass of wine, watch something easy, or read for a bit. That’s my version of winding down.

The idea of going for a walk, taking the dog out, or doing something “healthy” sounds great in theory. But in reality, I often just don’t have the energy for it.

Instead, my weekends usually look like catching up on everything that didn’t get done during the week, cleaning bathrooms, sorting out the fridge, and doing laundry. Because if I don’t, it piles up, and I’m the one running around during the week looking for school socks or something that should have been sorted.

So my “reset” isn’t about relaxing in the way people talk about online. It’s about getting my life back into order so the next week feels manageable.

What My Simple Weekly Reset Routine Actually Includes

For me, that starts with getting the house into some kind of order. Nothing extreme, I’m not deep cleaning everything, but I focus on the areas that make the biggest difference. Bathrooms, the kitchen, and clearing surfaces. If I start Monday with a clean kitchen and things in place, everything just feels easier.

From there, I make sure the basics are sorted, especially laundry. If I skip it over the weekend, I feel it immediately during the week. School uniforms, clothes, and the everyday essentials. Not folded perfectly, not organised in any impressive way, just clean and where they need to be. Because there is nothing worse than a weekday morning when you’re scrambling to find something that should have been done already.

Food is the same story. I don’t do elaborate meal prep. I’ve tried it, and it’s not for me. What I do instead is make sure we have something ready. I’ll cook one or two meals that can stretch over a couple of days and keep the fridge stocked with basics I know we’ll use. The goal isn’t a perfect plan; it’s avoiding that moment where you get to dinner time with no idea what to make.

I go into more detail on how I handle meals and errands in my post on time-saving tips for working moms.

And then there’s the part that actually feels like a reset, slowing down. Not in a big, dramatic way, just small, quiet moments. A shower, getting into bed early, watching something easy, or reading.

Reading, for me, is important. If I’m not reading at least a chapter a day, it feels like I’m not doing something for myself. It’s one of the few things that feels consistent, something that’s just mine. I’ve always loved books, and I’ve started building a small collection over time. There’s something about having them there and choosing what to read next that gives me a sense of calm and something to look forward to at the end of the day. My favourite place to get books right now is The Book Shoppe in Plumstead, my absolutely favourite place.

When I do get the chance, having time completely to myself makes the biggest difference.

When my kids are with their dad, I usually get a day or two where no one needs anything from me. That, more than anything, helps me reset. Sometimes I’ll be productive. Other times I’ll stay in bed, watch something, read, or just enjoy the quiet. That sense of freedom, even for a short time, makes a real difference going into the next week. I know not everyone has that option, but it’s something I’ve learned to really value and use properly when I do.

That’s what my reset actually looks like. Not perfect, not particularly exciting, but enough to make the next week feel a little more manageable. And honestly, that’s enough.