Resetting My Home After a Stressful Week
Some weeks are busier than others, and when work takes over, my home often gets neglected. After a hectic stretch, I love dedicating a full day to resetting my home. It’s not just about cleaning — it’s about restoring balance, creating a fresh atmosphere, and bringing back that cozy feeling I thrive in.
Today, I’ll take you through how I reset my home after a stressful week here in Portugal. From laundry and kitchen organization to cooking and evening routines, this is my way of grounding myself and returning to calm.
Morning Reset: Gym, Shower & Laundry
The day began with a sweaty morning workout — a reminder that even when life gets overwhelming, movement helps me release tension. Back home, I headed straight for a long, refreshing shower. It felt like washing off the stress of the week and setting the tone for a productive day.
With fresh energy, I tackled the first load of laundry. There’s something soothing about folding warm clothes and stacking them neatly away. It might seem like a small step, but starting with laundry always gives me a sense of progress when resetting my home.
Kitchen Reset & Breakfast for Joen
The kitchen is always at the heart of my home, so naturally it’s one of the first areas I focus on when resetting my home. After a busy week, the counters had gathered clutter, and I could see little traces of meals past — cups, crumbs, and containers out of place.
I removed everything from the surfaces, gave them a deep clean, and then carefully placed items back in order. There’s something incredibly satisfying about wiping down every corner and seeing the kitchen shine again.
Since Joen had been so supportive throughout my stressful week, I wanted to make him a comforting breakfast. I prepared a simple oat porridge — simmered with cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of salt, topped with toasted seeds and a dusting of coconut flakes. It was warm, hearty, and the perfect way to show a little love while I continued my reset.
Tidying the Apartment & Midday Reset
Once the laundry was going and the kitchen sparkled again, it was time to tackle the rest of the apartment. I always notice how the smallest things can make a space feel messy — like teacups left in odd corners or a bed that hasn’t been made in days.
After a week of long workdays, I hadn’t even touched the bed. Resetting it felt like a luxury in itself — crisp sheets, fresh pillows, and the calming sense of order it brings. I also took a moment to care for my plants. One of them had started losing leaves, which worried me, so I gave it extra attention and trimmed it gently.
These little touches are what make a home feel alive and welcoming again. They’re not grand tasks, but together they create the feeling of harmony I crave after a stressful week.
Grocery Run, Cooking for Lara & More Laundry
Even though it wasn’t my usual grocery restocking day, I had to pick up a few essentials. A quick scooter ride to the store was the perfect excuse to enjoy the warm weather, even if the supermarket was busier than I’d like. I also stopped at the pharmacy to grab Lara’s anti-flea treatment.
Back home, it was time to cook for my little poodle. Normally, I prepare organic chicken for her, but this week I had to substitute with turkey. She always knows when the food is for her — patiently watching from the kitchen counter with her big eyes. Cooking for her feels like another way of resetting the home: making sure everyone in the family is cared for.
While the turkey simmered, I squeezed in another round of laundry. With five workouts a week, I go through a mountain of gym clothes. Freshly washed, they add to that comforting sense of order returning to my home.
Afternoon Work, Park Visit with Lara & Evening Reset
Even though this was meant to be a “day off,” I still carved out a couple of hours for work. But once my laptop was closed, it was Lara’s turn for joy. As soon as she spotted her scooter bag, her excitement was impossible to miss.
We headed to the park — her absolute happy place. Watching her run after the ball with endless energy always makes me smile. She even made a new friend today, and they shared a water bowl (since I forgot hers, oops!). These small, wholesome moments remind me why a reset is about so much more than cleaning — it’s also about creating space for joy.
Back home, I did a quick tidy of the floors and switched on the ambient lights to set a cozy evening mood. Then came dinner: a healthier version of a smash burger made with homemade protein bread, lean patties, and fresh toppings. Lara, of course, got a little taste too.
We ended the day with a sunset stroll by the beach promenade. The sky was glowing, the sea calm, and Lara happily cooling off near the water. After such a stressful week, this reset — with clean laundry, a tidy home, nourishing meals, and time in nature — felt like exactly what I needed.
Thank you for being here 💛
You can always find me on Instagram: @dearjamilaa.
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