We’ve all been there—setting bold resolutions at the start of the year, only to forget them a few weeks in. Quitting social media cold turkey on a Monday, then reinstalling the apps by Wednesday. Swearing off ultra-processed food completely, only to slide back into old habits come your next grocery run.
The intentions? Always good—to be healthier, calmer, more productive. And in a world that glorifies radical change, those big swings can feel like the only way forward. But more often than not, what we really need isn’t a life overhaul—it’s a soft reboot. A moment to pause, breathe, and gently recalibrate. It’s a kinder, more sustainable way to shift your pace and recenter yourself.
It’s a philosophy that mirrors the rise of the “soft life”—a term that started gaining traction around 2021 on Nigerian social media. At first, it was like a statement, especially for women, saying they’re done with the endless grind. Over time, it’s grown into a global mindset—a quiet pushback against hustle culture and burnout.
What a Soft Reboot Looks Like
Imagine you’re trying to cut back on caffeine. Instead of quitting coffee overnight, what if you just started drinking one less cup a day? This little change doesn’t shock your system; instead, it supports it. And because it feels manageable, you’re more likely to stick with it. Then, maybe a few days later, you drop another cup. Before you know it, you’re down to just one—or maybe none at all. No pressure, no panic, just progress.
Soft reboots work because they’re built on behavioral science, not just willpower. Research shows that small, sustainable changes or “micro changes” are far more likely to stick than sweeping overhauls. According to BJ Fogg, PhD., a behavioral scientist at Stanford University and author of Tiny Habits, people are more likely to succeed when the change feels “easy, not overwhelming”—especially during times of stress or transition.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, has a similar take, writing that “habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.” Small improvements—just 1 percent a day—may not be noticeable in the moment, but they add up dramatically over time.
Then there’s also a mental health benefit. Psychologist Dr. Kristen Neff, a pioneer in the field of self-compassion (yes, there is such a thing), highlights that people who practice gentler self-talk and self-forgiveness—especially after a slip-up—are more resilient and more likely to get back on track.
Small Shifts, Big Difference
You don’t need to change your life overnight to change how you feel. The smallest shifts—done consistently and with intention—can help you feel lighter, more in control, and less overwhelmed. Here are some gentle resets you might want to try.
1. The Digital Detox Lite
In a 2017 TED Talk, author Anne Lamott said, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” And let’s be honest—most of us are a little too plugged in, from Netflix binges to late-night TikTok scrolls.
But instead of taking extreme measures and deleting your social apps, try a micro-detox. Move apps like Instagram into a hidden folder or set App Limits (on iPhones, it’s under Screen Time in Settings). These small tweaks create just enough friction to interrupt mindless scrolling.
Actress Cate Blanchett keeps it simple: She turns off her phone for 20 minutes a day. “That’s all you need to make your face relax,” she told Time. A short break can do wonders—lowering stress, boosting clarity, and yes, studies show that less screen time can help ease anxiety and even depression.
2. The Gentle Wake-up Call
We’ve all heard it before—ultra-successful people like Oprah and Michelle Obama swear by early mornings. Then there are the supermoms, like model-entrepreneur Miranda Kerr and influencer Brooke Raybould, who set their alarms for 5 a.m. to carve out a little calm before everybody wakes up. Raybould, known for her content on meaningful and productive motherhood, does this even while pregnant with her fifth child! It sounds great in theory—until you’re the one hating your alarm after a rough night.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need a 5 a.m. wake-up time to be at the top of your game.
Start smaller. Try setting your alarm just 10 to 15 minutes earlier than your usual wake-up time. Use that extra pocket of quiet to sit with your coffee, take a few deep breaths, or stare into nothingness. That little bit of space can make all the difference—helping you ease into the day instead of being thrown straight into the chaos.
3. The “Good Enough” Meal Plan
Instead of diving into a strict diet or committing to cooking every single meal from scratch (especially with a packed schedule), start small by picking just one day to prepare a comforting, nutrient-rich meal. Even just making your own breakfast—like a simple oatmeal-and-fruit bowl—can boost your energy and sense of control.
A Harvard Medical School article notes that making just one small healthy swap a day—like choosing water over soda or adding some greens to your meal—can lead to long-term benefits. Another simple trick: Certified holistic health coach Nichole Mercado explains that by gradually adding more healthy options to your grocery cart or fridge (and not overhauling your grocery list entirely), you easily leave less room for unhealthy food.
4. The Beauty Reset
If you’ve been skipping steps, falling asleep in makeup, or just haven’t been as consistent as you’d like—this one’s for you. Instead of jumping into a 10-step routine, try a one-week skincare reset to ease yourself back in. Keep it simple: cleanse, moisturize, and apply sunscreen during the day. Done.
As it turns out, more isn’t always better. A review published in Dermatologic Clinics notes that the core of any effective routine is actually cleansing and moisturizing. Once these habits are solid again, you can start layering in the extras—like that serum you’ve been meaning to try or your favorite weekly mask.
Too tired at night? Keep your non-negotiables—like a night serum or eye cream—on your bedside table. This way, even from bed, you can still show up for your skin.
5. The Quickie Space Fix
Forget tackling your entire house with Marie Kondo-level intensity. Instead, try the “one drawer a day” approach. Clean out a makeup drawer, a bag, or even your inbox—small wins like these build momentum. In The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Kondo writes that even tidying a single small space can dramatically shift your energy and “reset your life” with clarity.
If you’re a mom, this baby-steps method might be exactly what you need to feel a little more in control of an always-messy household. Even Kondo herself, now with three kids, has softened her stance. In 2023, she admitted she’d “kind of given up” on tidying perfectly. “I realized that always striving for a perfectly tidy home isn’t the goal—spending time with my kids is. That’s what really sparks joy,” she shared.
6. Little Happiness Boosts
Too exhausted or too busy to do anything fun? Make one tiny moment of joy a non-negotiable each day. Play your favorite song while you shower. Eat a bite of your favorite chocolate. Cuddle with your furbaby for 15 minutes, uninterrupted. These micro-rituals may seem trivial, but they have powerful psychological effects.
“Your fresh start doesn’t have to be tearing off the new page and throwing out the rest of the book.“
—Dr. Laurie Santos, professor of psychology and happiness expert
Ivy League happiness expert Dr. Laurie Santos, a professor of psychology at Yale University, says that small “pleasure boosts” like these are key to improving happiness—not huge life events.
“Realizing that these tiny baby steps can have big effects is also a way forward to realize you don’t have to revamp the whole wheel,” she shares in a podcast, affirming that small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in how you feel. “Your fresh start doesn’t have to be tearing off the new page and throwing out the rest of the book.“
Progress Over Perfection
So maybe it’s not about becoming a whole “new you”—but simply returning to yourself or becoming a little bit better. A soft reboot isn’t a sign of giving up; it’s a sign of tuning in. It’s about meeting yourself where you are, with grace instead of guilt, and choosing progress over perfection. Because sometimes, the quietest shifts lead to the biggest changes. All it takes is a little intention—and the willingness to begin.
