Nervous System Reset Kit:

In the middle of a busy day—or a heavy one—have you ever wished you could just pause your nervous system for a moment?

That’s the idea behind a Nervous System Reset Kit: a small, intentionally curated collection of sensory items that help bring you back into your body and into the present moment. It's not about fixing anything. It’s about soothing, grounding, and giving your brain and body a moment of rest.

Our nervous system is always scanning for cues of safety or threat. When we’re overstimulated, stressed, or overwhelmed, our body can slip into fight, flight, or freeze—even if we’re just answering emails or rushing between commitments.

But here’s the good news: engaging our senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, sound—can gently signal safety back to the brain. This process supports what’s known as nervous system regulation. In short, by intentionally interacting with soothing sensory input, we can help shift ourselves out of survival mode and into a calmer, more balanced state.

This is part of why visual art can have such a profound calming effect. As a painter, I’m drawn to soft coastal skies, abstract florals, and grounded earth tones—colors and forms that invite stillness, spaciousness, and reflection. Whether you're looking at art, creating it, or carrying a small print that brings you peace, visual beauty can help regulate your nervous system in ways that are both immediate and lasting.

What to include

You don’t need anything fancy. These kits can be deeply personal and made from things you already have. Here are a few ideas for each sense:

Sight:

  • A mini print of calming artwork

  • A notecard with an inspiring quote or affirmation

  • A small photo or image that brings you peace

Smell:

  • A scented tea bag

  • A dried flower or sachet

  • A small vial of essential oil (like lavender or citrus)

Touch:

  • A smooth stone, crystal, or piece of soft fabric

  • A worry stone or textured object

  • A grounding item like putty or a tiny piece of clay

Taste:

  • A mint, piece of dark chocolate, or herbal lozenge

  • A packet of your favorite tea

  • Something that gives a pleasant zing or warmth

When to Use It

A nervous system reset kit is most helpful when:

  • You're feeling anxious, overstimulated, or emotionally flooded

  • You’ve just had a difficult conversation or experience

  • You need to shift from work mode to rest mode

  • You're returning to center after caregiving or emotionally demanding tasks

  • You're preparing for or decompressing from social events

Even a 60-second sensory pause can be enough to create a shift.


Whether you're using a few small objects on your desk, keeping a kit in your bag, or simply pausing to observe a piece of art that resonates with you—what matters is the intentional moment of care.