30 days, one gentle reset: A self-kindness reflection

After an indulgent weekend, I felt called to reset – not as punishment, but as a way to feel clearer, more energised, and more connected to myself. I wanted to slow down, reduce sugar, meditate more, and perhaps shed the last 2kg from pregnancy.

But just a few days in, life with a baby (and a few cheeky wines) reminded me that rigid expectations weren’t going to cut it. I paused, reflected, and realised: this reset needed to be gentler, kinder, and more realistic for this season of life.

Introducing the gentle reset

I reframed my approach. Instead of a strict challenge, this became a 30-day experiment in self-kindness. My goal? To nourish my body, slow my mind, and build supportive habits that actually fit my life.

I committed to what I called a 'gentle reset'. It was never meant to be an extreme overhaul. Instead, it was a way to gently shift gears – to feel a little more present, a little more grounded, and a little more connected to my body after a long stretch of moving through life on autopilot.

This wasn’t about cutting everything out or doing everything perfectly. It was about experimenting with small, nourishing actions to support my well-being, and noticing what helped. And, after 30 days of trial and error, here’s what I discovered – not just about new habits, but about the importance of self-kindness along the way.

Starting with small, gentle intentions

I began the month with a few simple goals:

1. Take two minutes of calm each day (even just a few breaths or a quiet pause).
2. Move gently – a walk, some stretching, dancing in the kitchen.
   Add something nourishing to each day (protein, veggies, water).
3. Be more intentional about wine (celebration, not default).
4. Check-in with myself daily: “What do I need today?”

I didn’t do them all, every day. But I did most, more often than not – and I kept coming back to them with compassion rather than criticism.

What I learned from slowing down

1. Being mindful around sugar

Chocolate was a go-to comfort. But now, I pause and ask myself: Do I really want this right now? That moment of intention has changed everything – it’s a conscious choice, not a compulsion.

2. Progress isn’t linear

I had days when nothing went to plan. With a young baby, to-do lists can quickly unravel. But instead of giving up, I started again the next day. That’s the real reset – not starting perfectly, but starting again with kindness. Resetting isn’t about getting it right every day; it’s about recognising that one imperfect day doesn’t undo everything. A stumble isn’t the end – it’s a signal to slow down and begin again.

3. Habit stacking works

I remembered the idea from Atomic Habits (even though I didn’t get around to re-reading it!). Now, I meditate after my shower – it’s part of the flow, not another thing on the list.

4. High-protein breakfasts help

I received so many great tips about fuelling my body in the morning. Eating within 30 minutes of waking, especially with protein, made a noticeable difference. Eggs in all forms, smoothies, and cottage cheese pancakes have become staples. My energy feels more stable, and interestingly, I did lose a couple of kilos I’d been quietly hoping to shift.

6. Cooking can be therapy

My partner handles bedtime while I start dinner, and it’s become a treasured ritual. I have always loved cooking and there’s something meditative about being in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, creating. It’s a quiet way to come back to myself.

7. Rest is productive

With a baby who sleeps through the night but resists daytime naps, I often find myself wiped out by the end of the day. I’ve learned not to feel guilty for lying down when he naps. If babies need rest to grow and reset, so do we.

The power of mindful living

More than anything, this reset reminded me how easy it is to move through life on autopilot. Reaching for sugar without thinking. Pushing through exhaustion. Saying yes when you need to say no. This wasn’t just about habits – it was about presence. Being mindful in small moments. Asking “What do I need?” and really listening.

And when things didn’t go to plan? I gave myself grace. That, I think, is the real transformation – shifting the inner voice from pressure to permission.

For anyone thinking about their own reset

If you're considering your own reset, here are a few gentle prompts to begin:

• What do you really want from it?
• Is it achievable for this season of your life?
• How do you want to feel, not just what do you want to change?

Consider ways to keep yourself gently accountable. This might look like:

• Writing down your daily intentions the night before.
• Pairing a new habit with something you already do.
• Sharing your goals with a friend who can check-in.
• Giving yourself a weekly reset moment to reflect and adjust.

And most importantly: You don’t need to do it all. You don’t need to cut everything out. You just need to start with one nourishing step and offer yourself kindness along the way.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, working with a coach can be a powerful way to gain clarity, set realistic intentions, and build supportive habits. You don’t have to do it alone – support makes all the difference.