When that mid-afternoon slump hits, you’ve got options – and no, it doesn’t always have to be coffee (though we won’t judge if it is).
We asked founders, CEOs, and high-performing professionals to share their go-to rituals for recharging during the workday. The rules? Keep it fun, keep it real, and make it something the rest of us can try, too.
From quick walks and upbeat playlists to jump squats and meditation, their answers prove one thing: you don’t need hours to feel better. Sometimes, all it takes is a great song, a funny memory, or a few deep breaths to reset your whole vibe.
Maggie Swift: “My go-to ritual is called a ‘Laundry Reset’.”
“My go-to ritual is called a ‘Laundry Reset’. A lot of times, I’m doing a deep content audit or looking at metadata, stepping away for a good 10 minutes to fold laundry or unload the dishwasher is oddly therapeutic, and helps me decompress.
Not at home? No biggie! Try setting a 5-minute timer, play one upbeat track that you love. My pick? Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! by ABBA, and do something mildly productive – like organizing your desk or watering plants.
You come back to your screen feeling like you’ve done something without burning out. Bonus: your socks are paired, and your plants are happy.
And if I’m still mentally stuck? I use my ‘Walk and Rant’ method – headphones in, voice notes on. I vent about the problem out loud while walking around the block. Nine times out of ten, I talk myself into the solution before I even hit the corner.”
— Maggie Swift, Revenue & Performance Growth Expert, Co-Founder and CEO of Unframed Digital
Also by Corina Leslie: How to Lose A Habit in 10 Days – 5 CEOs on What They Stopped Doing to Thrive
Oni Nicorec: “I turn to the one thing that always recharges me.”
“As a dad of three, I’ve pretty much accepted that peace and quiet are mythical creatures – they don’t live in my house. So when work gets hectic and my energy tanks (usually around the same time someone asks for a snack… again), I turn to the one thing that always recharges me: movement.
A quick jog through the park or a spin on the bike helps me clear my head and lift my mood in a way coffee just can’t compete with. Even 20 minutes outside makes a huge difference. I come back more focused and patient so I can handle meetings, emails, and yes, the occasional toddler meltdown.
It’s simple, it’s free, and it always works. Bonus points: I stay in decent shape – which comes in handy when I need to sprint after a rogue scooter.”
— Oni Nicorec, Head of Platform at ZeroBounce
Nathalie Botros: “It’s all about activating those feel-good endorphins.”
“I’ve tried a lot of things to reset during the day. I did the espresso shots; great in the moment, but then I couldn’t sleep at night. I tried resting my eyes to disconnect. It helps a lot of people, but for me, it took too long. I needed something faster.
So I found the one ritual that works best for me, and now, for many of my clients too. Every time I feel stuck or sense brain fog creeping in, I stop what I’m doing, step away from my desk, close the laptop, and disconnect from anything work-related. Then I stretch quickly and do 10 to 20 squats.
It’s all about shifting the energy and activating those feel-good endorphins. I actually do it several times a day. And when I need a stronger push, I do ten quick jumps. The release is instant.
High-impact movement resets my mood, clears my head, and yes, it lifts my booty, too.”
— Natalie Botros, The Bon-Vivant Girl
Radek Shwick: “It gives me that quick mental refresh I need to stay sharp.”
“When I need to recharge during the day, I keep it simple: music, movement, and coffee. I’ll step away from my desk, throw on a high-energy playlist (think indie rock or lo-fi beats), and either stretch out or take a quick walk outside if the weather’s decent.
It clears my head and gives me that quick mental refresh I need to stay sharp. And of course, coffee helps. Just a strong black cup, no frills.”
— Radek Shwick, Sales Director at Research.com
Also by Corina Leslie: Skip These Foods if You Want to Crush Your Day Like These Entrepreneurs
Jonathan Herrick: “My real midday reset comes when I leash up my dog Finnley.”
“My go-to ritual for recharging during the workday begins before the workday even starts. I kick things off with a good stretch and a morning workout – it’s my way of hitting the mental ‘start’ button. It energizes me, clears my head, and puts me in a focused mindset before I even check my inbox.
But my real midday reset comes when I leash up my dog Finnley and head out for a walk during lunch. It’s part fresh air, part furry companionship, and part creative recharge. Those 15-20 minutes away from screens are magic. I come back with a clearer head, better ideas, and renewed focus. Plus, my dog holds me accountable, which helps keep the habit going!
If you’re looking for a quick reset, I highly recommend stepping outside, moving your body, and letting your brain breathe. You’ll be amazed at what a simple walk can do for your productivity.”
— Jonathan Herrick, CEO of Benchmark Email
Kristine Genovese: “Cracking up with my team instantly shifts my energy.”
“It’s not always easy to stay in a high vibration during the workday, especially when you’re switching from thinking, planning, and decision-making into grounded, heart-centered energy work. That’s where my go-to Soul Intelligence rituals come in.
First, I play high-frequency music. Anugama for calming presence or Lincoln Jesser for a joyful boost. Then, I close my eyes, breathe into the center of my chest, and drop into my ‘Fall in Love’ meditation. I inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for eight – and repeat this three times. Then, I visualize someone, someplace, or something I absolutely adore and let myself fully feel that unconditional love. It’s powerful – and yes, you’ll catch yourself smiling without even trying.
And when I need a quick reset? I laugh. A funny memory, a hilarious reel, or cracking up with my team instantly shifts my energy. These mini rituals ground me, uplift me, and plug me back into my purpose.”
— Kristine Genovese, Creator of the Soul Intelligence Method
Dr. Letitia Wright: “I box-breathe to upbeat music.”
“I’m in a very busy season of life right now, going through huge changes in my personal life. While it’s all good, it can be overwhelming. Lately, I’ve been taking a lot of mini-breaks during
the day where I box-breathe to upbeat music. Breath in 4 beats, hold 4 beats, breathe out 4 beats, hold 4 beats.
Instead of mediation music, I use Doechii – Anxiety, Will Smith – Pretty Girls, Chloe x Halle-
Everything or Gorillaz – Strobelite
I change the music when I feel bored but intentionally choose songs that always keep it energetic and upbeat. It’s been getting me through long days so that I can stay focused and not just run from ‘fire to fire.’”
— Dr. Letitia Wright, TV Host and CEO of Wright Place Studios
Ethan Brown: “Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to just do the work.”
“I’m a big believer that changing your physiology changes your psychology. If I need a reset, I get up and move, usually a quick walk. It clears my head, lifts my mood, and helps me come back with more focus.
That said, sometimes, the best way to recharge… is to just do the work. Turn off notifications, dive into what matters most, and let the work itself bring you energy.”