How to reset when your day goes off the rails

How to Reset When Your Day Goes Off the Rails

No matter how well you plan your day, Reader, life will happen — especially when you’re working from home.

Maybe the kids (or your spouse/partner) stayed home sick. Maybe the dog needed an emergency bath after rolling in something questionable. Maybe you’ve just been dragging all day, fighting off low energy and struggling to focus.

Whatever the reason, suddenly it’s mid-afternoon, your to-do list is untouched, and that little voice in your head starts whispering, "Well … today’s a wash!"

But here’s the truth, friend:

It’s never too late to reset and salvage your day.

The magic of working from home is that you can give yourself grace and flexibility — without letting the whole day spiral away.

Here’s how to hit the reset button when your day feels like it’s going off the rails:

1. Pause and Breathe

Before you try to power through the overwhelm, take 2-3 minutes to stop and do some Power Breaths (you already know I swear by these!). Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly.

This simple reset tells your brain: We’re not in panic mode — we’re in control.

2. Let Go of What’s Gone

The hours that didn’t go as planned? They’re done. Release them. No guilt, no judgment.

What matters now is what you do with the time that’s left.

If you need help with releasing what doesn't serve you, try Brendon Burchard's release meditation technique. I've found it helpful.

If the link to play the video above isn't working, click here to watch.

3. Take a Break and Go Outside

Sometimes a two-minute pause isn't enough. In that case, you may need to physically step away and reset your whole energy.

Go for a short walk. Pull a few weeds in the garden. Sit in the sun and close your eyes.

I've found that getting outside, breathing fresh air, and getting some physical activity can shake off the frustration and give you a whole new perspective.

4. Express Gratitude and Appreciation

One of the fastest ways to shift your energy is to name what you're grateful for — out loud or on paper.

So write down three things you're grateful for — no matter how small. For example, you may be grateful for:

A hot cup of coffee
A client payment that hit your bank account
Your cozy work-from-home setup

You can jot them down in a journal or write them in a note on your planner or calendar app. You can text/call/email someone to tell them you appreciate them. Or send them a card.

Whatever form you choose to express it in, gratitude reroutes your mind from what's not working to what is.

5. Pick ONE Thing to Accomplish

Forget the whole to-do list. Just choose one small, winnable task to knock out next — something that will give you a quick win and help you feel back on track.

It could be:

Sending that one email you’ve been avoiding
Crossing off a quick admin task
Tidying up your workspace
Making a list of what you’ll tackle tomorrow

Progress — even the tiniest bit — creates momentum.

6. Speak Positivity Into the Rest of Your Day

Before you dive back in, take 30 seconds to speak a simple affirmation out loud. For example: I still have time to make today a win. I am tenacious. I can turn this day around.

Because you can. You always can.

If you need a little help finding the right words to speak over yourself, I’ve got you! My Win WFH Affirmations + Mantras download is full of positive, confidence-boosting mantras to help you reset your mindset and reclaim your day. You can grab it here:

👉 Download the Win WFH Affirmations + Mantras

It's Never Too Late to Turn Your Day Around

Here’s another truth for you:

A single bad hour doesn’t have to turn into a bad day — unless you let it.

It’s not about having perfect days. It’s about having the power to reset and keep showing up no matter what.

Even if the only thing you do is Even if the only thing you do is wash your face, speak one kind word to yourself, and remind yourself you're worthy — that’s a win.

Click here to learn about the follow-up system created just for you!

As always, I'd love to know what you think of this week's newsletter. Post your thoughts on social and tag me (@coachmichelepeterson), or simply reply to this email!

Thank you. I appreciate you!

xoxo,
Michele

Now for more good stuff ...

Want even more confidence and better productivity? The WIN Working From Home online course was created just for you! Click here to learn more.

Interesting Reads ...

5 Time Saving Automations Every Entrepreneur Should Have(click here to read/listen on AmyPorterfield.com)
How Female Breadwinners Can Break Free From The Pressure To Be Perfect (click here to read on Forbes)
A Social Media Coach Is Begging People To Stop This Common Online Habit (click here to read on Parade)
The Business Of Beating Imposter Syndrome, According To Iman Alleyne, Founder Of Kind Academy (click here to read on Essence)
Life-Work Balance: How A Simple Shift Can Bring Seismic Changes To Workplace Experience (click here to read on Forbes)
7 things highly productive people do every Sunday night to set up a successful week (click here to read on HackSpirit)
Top 5 Movies Every Entrepreneur Should Watch For Motivation (click here to read on HerZindagi)

WFH Tip: To WIN Working From Home, take care of you so you can take care of business. Stay hydrated, take stretch breaks, protect your personal boundaries. Make YOU your top priority.

Grit & Grace Affirmation of the Week

I am not afraid of what others think.

I learn and improve from every failure.

I am capable of trying again.

Say it. Believe it. Be it.

From the book Badass Affirmations by Becca Anderson

I hope you enjoyed this week's newsletter. Thank you for linking arms and being part of my working from home tribe!

I'll be back next week with more tips, inspiration, and other fun stuff to empower your WFH success. Until then, have a beautiful week!

xoxo,
Michele

P.S. It's my goal to inspire you and remind you of your greatness as we navigate WFH life together. If you loved this week's newsletter, please feel free to forward it to your friends!