5-Minute Routines to Reset Your Classroom or Home: Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Boost Focus

What is a Reset Routine?

Simply put, a reset routine is when you take just five minutes to focus on tidying up a small area or clearing away clutter. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it works. But the benefits go way beyond just having a clean space.

How Small Tasks Help Reduce Stress and Boost Mental Health

Small tasks like this aren’t just about cleaning—they’re about clearing your mind. In fact, studies show that getting things back in order can actually help reduce stress and anxiety (yup, cleaning really can help your mood!). When we tackle small, manageable tasks, we give ourselves a sense of accomplishment (cue dopamine), which helps boost our mood and even our productivity. According to the American Psychological Association, just completing small, manageable tasks can lead to better focus and less stress (APA).

These kinds of activities also help teach emotional regulation—a huge benefit for kids and adults alike. When we engage in routine tasks, it brings predictability to our day, which can reduce anxiety and help us manage our emotions better. So, that simple 5-minute cleanup? It’s more than just a chore—it’s a tool for mental well-being.

How to Create a Simple 5-Minute Routine for Stress Relief and Focus

Okay, so how do we actually do this?

Set a Timer: Five minutes. That’s it. Set your phone or timer and go for it. Need a visual? Prop up your phone or put it under your classroom doc cam!
Pick ONE Task: Don’t try to do everything. Pick one small task—whether it’s clearing off the desk, putting away the toys, or straightening up a section of your room.
Focus on the Task: Stay present. You’re doing this to reset, so try not to multitask.
Repeat Regularly: Make this part of your routine. The more you do it, the easier it becomes to keep things in order.

Getting Kids Involved in Reset Routines for Emotional Regulation

Now, as a mom and a teacher, I know one thing for sure—getting kids involved in the process is a game changer. Kids thrive on routine and responsibility, and when they’re part of the cleanup, it’s a win-win for everyone.

Make It Fun: Give kids simple, age-appropriate tasks—like putting away books or gathering up toys. When kids have clear tasks, they feel proud of their contributions and learn to take ownership of their space.
Create a Group Effort: In the classroom, make resetting a group activity. When everyone chips in, it becomes a team effort. This not only gets the room back in shape but also fosters cooperation and teamwork.
- In my classroom, reorganizing the library is a whole class job. Gives them the accountability they need to keep it organized throughout the week.
Give Them Control: Allow kids to choose which task they want to handle. Giving them some autonomy helps build their decision-making skills and boosts their confidence.

Why Routine Matters for Both Kids and Adults: Benefits for Productivity and Focus

When kids participate in reset routines, they’re developing critical life skills that they’ll use forever:

Executive Functioning: Tasks like cleaning up require kids to plan, organize, and execute. These are essential skills for time management, schoolwork, and life. (developingchild.harvard.edu)
Emotional Regulation: Having a predictable routine helps kids feel more in control of their environment, reducing anxiety. This makes them feel more confident and better able to handle change. (Kids’ Mental Health Foundation)
Boosting Responsibility and Confidence: When kids see that their actions have a direct impact on their environment, it boosts their sense of responsibility and self-worth. The more they contribute, the more they believe in their abilities.

Let’s not forget that these benefits aren’t just for kids. As parents and teachers, we need to reset too. A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind, and that affects everything—productivity, patience, and even our relationships with our kids.

A Sense of Control: Taking five minutes to clean up helps us regain a sense of control, which is crucial in managing stress.
Reduced Overwhelm: Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks prevents us from feeling completely overwhelmed by our responsibilities.
Improved Mental Health: Engaging in routines like this can significantly reduce stress, promote better mental health, and boost our overall well-being. It’s about making small changes that have a big impact.

Download Your Free 5-Minute Reset Routine Checklist

Ready to get started? Download my 5-Minute Reset Routine Checklist to help you get the ball rolling. It’s a simple tool to keep you (and your kids) on track, helping you reset your space and your mind in just five minutes a day. I keep one in my classroom and the other on the fridge. I laminated mine and use a dry erase marker. For the at home reset, I’ll keep it going throughout the week to make sure each room has been tackled and then start fresh the next Monday.