Teachers are some of the most giving people on the planet, and also some of the worst at hitting pause.
We remind students to take brain breaks. We talk about balance. We preach self-care.
And then we power through… until we crash.
January has a funny way of amplifying that.
New year. New goals. Same exhausted humans.
That’s where a reset routine comes in.
Not a massive to-do list.
Not a complicated morning ritual.
And definitely not a Pinterest-perfect plan you abandon by January 12.
A reset routine is a simple rhythm, something you return to when life feels loud, busy, or overwhelming. It helps you recharge before burnout sneaks in.
Why You Need a Reset Routine in the New Year
Because “teacher tired” doesn’t magically disappear on January 1.
Because staring at screens all day drains your brain (and your patience).
Because January isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters with a little more intention.
A reset routine is your safety net.
It’s a small, structured pause that helps you come back to center so you can show up more present in the classroom, at home, and for yourself.
Think of it as a reset button you can press anytime, not a resolution you have to maintain perfectly.
The Reset Routine Formula: The 3 Rs
Your New Year Reset is built on three simple steps:
- Refresh
- Refocus
- Restore
Each one takes just a few minutes, and you can use them:
- in the morning
- during planning
- after school
- or in the evening when your brain feels like 37 Chrome tabs are open
REFRESH your space
Start with what’s around you.
Clear a small space.
Wipe down your desk.
Put away one thing.
Fill your water bottle.
Keep in mind you’re not cleaning your whole life, you’re just creating a little breathing room.
Tiny Tech Tip:
Use the Focus Keeper or Forest app to set a 10-minute refresh timer so you don’t get pulled into distractions.
REFOCUS your mind
Once your space feels calmer, reset your attention.
Check your planner, notes, or to-do list.
Ask yourself: “What matters most in the next hour?”
Everything else can wait.
Teacher Hack:
Open Google Keep and pin your top three tasks.
Color-code them:
- Today
- This Week
- Later
It keeps your brain from trying to hold everything at once.
RESTORE your energy
This is the part teachers skip, but need the most.
Take a breath.
Step outside for sunlight.
Stretch.
Sip water.
Put on a song that helps your shoulders drop a little.
Wellness Tip:
Pair this moment with a quick protein snack, hydration, or your wellness routine. It’s amazing how much clearer your brain feels after even a tiny energy reset.
Create Your One-Page New Year Reset Routine
You don’t need a fancy planner or a 30-day challenge.
All you need is one page you can keep:
- on your desk
- next to your bed
- or taped to your computer monitor
This becomes your default reset when the day starts to spiral.
Your One-Page Reset Routine Template
Header:
My Reset Routine: Refresh • Refocus • Restore
Section 1: Quick Space Refresh
☐ Tidy one area
☐ Fill water bottle
☐ Open a window or step outside
Section 2: Refocus on Priorities
☐ Check planner or Google Keep
☐ Choose top 3 tasks
☐ Set a 10-minute timer for one task
Section 3: Restore My Energy
☐ 3 slow breaths
☐ Stretch or short walk
☐ Drink water or take wellness support
Bottom Box:
💬 Today’s Win: __________________________
🕊 One Thing I’m Grateful For: __________________________
🌱 Keep It Simple (Especially in January)
The power of a reset routine isn’t in doing more.
It’s in returning to what matters, again and again.
When you build in moments to refresh, refocus, and restore, your day feels calmer, more intentional and a whole lot lighter.
This isn’t about perfection.
It’s about progress.
And giving yourself the same grace you give everyone else.
🪴 Call to Action
👉 Download the One-Page Reset Routine and keep it where you’ll actually see it.
👉 Try one reset moment today; just one and notice how it shifts your energy.
👉 Read more Tech + Thrive tips at techandteachability.com.
