The Nervous System Reset – Why “You Time” Is Essential for Stress, Anxiety & Overwhelm

Published on February 17, 2026

Part of the series: The Nervous System Reset – A Blog for Stress, Anxiety & Overwhelm

By Collette Lees

Why “You Time” Is Essential for Stress, Anxiety & Overwhelm

Lately, I’ve been feeling like my time is not my own. Between planning, organising, working, supporting, and keeping everything running at home, I realised I hadn’t given anything back to myself. Each day felt filled with stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion. I kept asking myself, How will I ever get it all done? My health started to suffer. My sleep became restless. My mood was low. My energy is even lower. And yet, I kept pushing through. It’s often not until you’re completely depleted — curled up in the foetal position, tears rolling down your face — that you realise something has to change. You have to stop. You have to rest. You have to breathe. You have to do something just for you.

That’s where “you time” begins.

The Art of Doing Nothing

When I reach that point, I now do something radical. I stop. I take a full day off — no work, no home chores, no commitments to anyone but myself. I put no pressure on myself to achieve anything. If I feel like going for a walk or a swim, I do. If I feel like lying on the couch, I do that too. It’s a rest day. And usually, it’s well overdue. But here’s the thing — the art of doing nothing takes practice. For me, it once looked like walking to my favourite place by the riverbank. I would sit cross-legged on the ground and close my eyes. I’d feel the breeze in my hair and the sun warming my skin. I’d notice the temperature shift when a cloud passed overhead. Seagulls squawking. The occasional fish jumping. Boats drifting by. Traffic is humming behind me. A dog barking in the distance. The scent of grass, flowers, and even the river itself. It was simple. But it was everything. This is what a nervous system reset can look like. Not something elaborate. Not something expensive. Just presence. Whether you have a river, an ocean, farmland, mountains, or even a city skyline, there is beauty and peace available to you if you stop long enough to notice it. Even 15 minutes can make a difference.

Through experience, I’ve learned this isn’t indulgent — it’s essential. When I practice stillness regularly, I don’t reach burnout as quickly. I don’t spiral into overwhelm the same way. My body feels safer. My mind feels clearer.

Daily Rituals That Anchor You

Another ritual that supports my mental health is journaling. Every morning, I put on the coffee percolator, get comfortable, and sit in the quiet. No disturbances. Just me and my fresh brew. I begin by asking myself how I slept and how I feel. Then I reflect on the previous day — what felt good, what felt heavy, what stayed with me. Sometimes I write about something funny that happened with a friend. Sometimes I write about something that hurts. I don’t overthink it. I rarely reread it. It’s simply a release. Journaling is one of the simplest forms of self-care for stress and anxiety. It creates space between your thoughts and your nervous system. It allows your body to exhale. Maybe journaling resonates with you. Maybe it’s walking, swimming, yoga, meditation, a bubble bath, or sitting quietly in your car before walking into the house. It doesn’t matter what it is — as long as it’s yours.

Because you’re worth it.

Why “You Time” Matters for Stress & Anxiety

As a naturopath, I see this pattern often. Women push through stress signals for months — sometimes years — before their bodies demand rest. Poor sleep. Low mood. Digestive changes. Hormonal shifts. Anxiety that won’t switch off. These aren’t weaknesses. They’re messages from your nervous system asking for support. Stress, anxiety, and overwhelm are often signs that we’ve been giving too much of ourselves without replenishing. When we don’t create intentional space to reset, the body eventually forces it upon us. And that reset rarely feels gentle. But when you build “you time” into your life — even in small, consistent ways — everything shifts. Your energy improves. Your focus sharpens. Your emotional resilience strengthens. It’s not about escaping responsibility.

It’s about sustaining yourself so you can show up fully.

Something to Look Forward To

It’s also powerful to have something bigger to look forward to. What’s the point of working hard if there’s no joy woven in? Book a treat for yourself. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A facial. A massage. Lunch with friends. A weekend camping trip. A night away in a cosy motel. A concert. A festival.Whatever feels like nourishment to you. I truly believe you deserve a monthly reward — something that reminds you that your life is meant to be experienced, not just managed.

Listen Before Your Body Screams

It’s vital to listen to your body. It speaks long before it screams. The human body is incredibly resilient — but why push it to its limits unnecessarily? When you take time to reset your nervous system daily, you create clarity. You make better decisions. You move through challenges with steadier energy. It’s not always easy to prioritise yourself.

But neither is burnout.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you’re feeling stuck in stress, anxiety, or overwhelm and don’t know where to begin, support can make all the difference. Naturopathic care focuses on understanding your body as a whole — your nervous system, hormones, digestion, sleep and emotional wellbeing — so you can restore balance in a way that feels sustainable and personal. Start small today. Take the walk. Sit in stillness. Journal your thoughts. And if you’re ready for deeper support, I would love to walk alongside you.🌿

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