5 Signs You Need to Rest & Reset—and How to Do It Right

March 01, 2025 Jessica Osifalujo

In a world that often pushes us to keep going, it’s easy to miss the signs that we need to pause, recharge, and reset. Between balancing work, relationships, and personal aspirations, we can forget to check in with ourselves. But if we don’t recognize when it’s time to hit the reset button, we risk burnout, stress, and even physical exhaustion.

Just like in our last post Discomfort vs. Distress discussion, there’s a fine line between pushing through discomfort and falling into distress. Recognizing the difference between stretching your limits and running yourself into the ground is key to maintaining your mental, physical, and emotional health.

Here are five signs it’s time to reset—and how to do it right so you can get back to feeling like your best self.

1. You’re Running on Empty

Do you wake up feeling just as tired as when you went to bed? If even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming, and your energy reserves are at an all-time low, it’s a major red flag. Constant fatigue is one of the clearest signs that you need to step back and reset. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

How to Reset:
Create a bedtime ritual that helps you improve your sleep quality. About an hour before bed, light a long-lasting aromatherapy candle to signal your mind and body that it’s time to unwind. Pair this with calming activities like reading or gentle stretching. Prioritizing restful sleep is one of the most powerful ways to reset and replenish your energy.

2. Your Emotions Are on Overdrive

Ever find yourself snapping at the smallest things? When we don’t take time to rest, our emotions can take over. Feeling unusually irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed is a clear sign that your emotional bandwidth is maxed out.

How to Reset:
Step away from the noise. Create a quiet space where you can sit with your feelings without judgment. Light a soothing wooden wick candle, close your eyes, and take deep breaths to ground yourself. Allow your emotions to flow without guilt, and give yourself permission to rest. Remember, taking a break isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

3. Your Body Feels Tense and Tight

Do you often catch yourself clenching your jaw or feeling tension in your neck and shoulders? Physical signs like headaches or tight muscles are often your body’s way of saying, "I need a break." Stress manifests in our bodies, and ignoring these signals only leads to deeper discomfort—or worse, distress.

How to Reset:
Incorporate gentle movement into your routine. Yoga, stretching, or even a slow walk can help release built-up tension. Light a phthalate-free soy candle with calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus to set the tone for relaxation. The combination of movement and scent can help you unwind both physically and mentally.

4. You’re Forgetting the Little Things

Brain fog happens when we’re in constant overdrive. If you’re leaving your keys in odd places or missing important emails, it’s a sign that your mind is overloaded and needs a break.

How to Reset:
Embrace a tech-free moment to give your brain a rest. Disconnect from screens and social media, and instead focus on simple sensory experiences. The warm glow of a coconut apricot wax candle paired with a relaxing activity like journaling or reading can help your mind reset naturally, away from external distractions.

5. Your Skin Looks Dull and Your Hair Is Falling Out

Stress doesn’t just affect how we feel—it shows up physically too. Dull skin, increased breakouts, or hair shedding are signs that stress is taking a toll on your body.

How to Reset:
Nurture your body and mind with a self-care ritual. Draw a warm bath, surround yourself with eco-friendly wooden wick candles, and let the stress melt away. The calming scents and flickering candlelight, paired with the therapeutic effects of water, can restore both your physical and emotional glow.

How to Reset the Right Way

A reset isn’t about taking one day off or indulging in a spa moment (though those help!). It’s about creating ongoing self-care rituals that sustain your well-being over time. Whether it’s lighting a relaxing aromatherapy candle at the end of a long day, unplugging from technology, or giving yourself permission to rest, small consistent resets are what keep you going.

Listen to Your Body: It knows when you’re pushing too hard.
Listen to Your Mind: When the fog sets in, it’s your cue to step back.
Listen to Your Emotions: They’ll guide you toward what you need most.

It’s not a sign of weakness to need a reset. In fact, it’s a sign of strength to recognize when it’s time to slow down, recalibrate, and come back stronger. Pay attention to these signs, and make time for intentional resets. You’ll be better equipped to handle life’s challenges without running yourself ragged.